UK’s First Carbon Capture Pilot at Waste-to-Energy Facility: A Major Step Toward Net Zero

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  • Milestone in Carbon Removal: Enfinium’s Ferrybridge pilot captures one tonne of CO2 daily, leading UK carbon removal efforts.
  • Decarbonization Goals: The trial informs future deployment of carbon capture technology across all enfinium sites, crucial for Net Zero by 2050.
  • £1.7 Billion Investment: Enfinium plans to remove 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 annually, backed by significant investment in CCS.

Enfinium, a leading UK energy from waste operator, has launched the country’s first carbon capture pilot at its Ferrybridge facility in West Yorkshire. The trial marks a pivotal moment for the waste sector and enfinium’s goal to integrate Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology across its six UK sites to support the country’s Net Zero target.

The pilot captures one tonne of CO2 daily using technology from Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI). Mike Maudsley, CEO of enfinium, emphasizes the importance of this development:

We are proud to have this sector-leading project up and running. Carbon capture is central to decarbonizing unrecyclable waste and generating carbon removals so the UK can achieve Net Zero.

This 12-month trial collects key data on CO2 capture rate and solvent performance, laying the groundwork for deploying CCS at scale. Enfinium’s Net Zero Transition Plan aims to remove up to 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 annually by the early 2030s, supported by a £1.7 billion investment in carbon capture technology.

Bruno-Frédéric Baudouin, CEO of HZI, praised the collaboration:

The pilot expands our knowledge base and provides a springboard for delivering decarbonization solutions worldwide.

The pilot also aligns with the UK government’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy, with the Climate Change Committee urging faster carbon removal progress. The waste-to-energy sector could contribute up to 8 million tonnes of carbon removals annually.

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Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, celebrated the initiative:

This development is massively encouraging as our region works toward its Net Zero ambitions. Innovation like this is vital for a greener future.

Enfinium has also initiated a public consultation to further advance CCS deployment at its Ferrybridge facilities, designated as a Project of National Significance. This consultation runs from 16 September to 20 October 2024.