Carbon capture projects major boost for UK green economy

The Government said the start of construction of two pioneering carbon capture projects will be a major boost for the UK’s green economy.

The UK’s first carbon capture-enabled cement plant at Padeswood, developed by Heidelberg Materials UK, and one of the world’s first full-scale carbon capture-enabled waste-to-energy facilities at Protos in Ellesmere Port, developed by Encyclis, have now signed final contracts begin construction.

The Government said cement and waste-to-energy production are carbon-intensive and have no route to cut emissions without carbon capture.

“The projects will serve as the launch-point for exporting British technology, innovation and expertise abroad, creating economic opportunities for UK-based companies across the world - boosting growth and giving British business a competitive edge in the global green economy,” it said.

Both projects have now signed contracts with the Low Carbon Contracts Company, and are expected to move into the construction phase shortly.