The Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) has released a new report outlining key strategies to reduce the costs of CCUS technologies. The report emphasises that achieving the UK’s net-zero targets is unattainable without large-scale CCUS deployment, a view reinforced by the Climate Change Committee’s Seventh Carbon Budget Advice.
Key recommendations from CCSA’s report include:
- Accelerating learnings from first mover projects: By analysing and adopting best practices from early CCUS initiatives, future projects can be optimised for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Delivering economies of scale: Expanding CCUS operations can significantly reduce per-unit costs, making the technology more economically viable.
- Growing UK supply chains: Developing robust domestic supply chains for CCUS components and services can minimise reliance on imports and reduce costs.
- Promoting industry collaboration: Encouraging cross-sector partnerships can promote resource-sharing, infrastructure integration, and cost reductions.
The CCSA urges the UK government to accelerate the rollout of carbon capture projects to keep the country on track to meet its climate goals. CCUS is a critical enabler of decarbonisation across multiple sectors, including: clean power generation, low-carbon fuel production, industrial decarbonisation and carbon removals.
The government has already initiated the first two CCUS clusters, marking a significant step in this direction. However, the report stresses the need to maintain momentum and advance the next wave of CCUS projects to achieve the scale required for meaningful cost reductions.
By fast-tracking CCUS expansion, the UK can ensure value for money, foster economic growth, and build a more affordable and secure energy system, all while reaching net-zero goals.
For further insights and the full report, visit the CCSA website.
