Hull Live
4th February 2019
https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/business/regions-energy-giants-invest-millions-2508698
Region’s energy giants invest millions in company plotting carbon capture revival
BP and Drax have backed Yorkshire business C-Capture, which is spearheading a revival of carbon capture technology in the Humber.
Two of the region’s biggest energy giants have invested millions of pounds into the company which is spearheading carbon capture technology in the Humber.
BP, based at Saltend Chemicals Park, and Drax have both giving a seal of approval to C-Capture, the business currently designing pioneering technology which hopes to remove harmful carbon dioxide from emissions.
C-Capture is currently piloting carbon capture at Drax Power Station, near Goole, as the technology returns to the spotlight after a three-year absence.
BP, Drax and the IP Group have between them pumped £3.5m into C-Capture.
Tristan Fischer, chairman at C-Capture, said: “We’re delighted that Drax, IP Group and now BP have all seen that our unique technology has the potential to be applied at scale around the world as part of the global drive to tackle climate change.
“We’re all very excited about the pilot project with Drax, and also that this new funding will help to develop our technology for use across a range of industries.
“We are looking carefully at the broader market for our carbon capture technology, which includes not just power generation but also the production of cement, steel and aluminium, as well as biogas, across a range of territories including India and China.”
Carbon capture aims to remove carbon dioxide emissions before they are released into the atmosphere.
The emissions can either be stored in underground rock formations, or can be used in sectors such as drinks manufacturing.
Business bosses including Humber LEP chair Lord Haskins have backed the technology, which could one day “revolutionise” the region’s economy.
It was actually around a decade ago since the potential of carbon capture was realised in the Humber.
Talks were held over storing carbon in the North Sea’s depleted gas and oil chambers.
Years went by, but in 2015 Drax was dealt a major blow when Government funding for its carbon capture project was withdrawn, despite £100m already having been spent on proposals.
Now, carbon capture is back on the radar.
David Eyton, BP’s group head of technology, said: “BP believes carbon capture, use and storage has a key role to play in reducing emissions, in line with global climate ambitions.
“C-Capture’s technology could reduce the cost of capturing carbon dioxide.
“Our investment in C-Capture supports our ambition to advance the energy transition, and we look forward to working with them to explore opportunities to trial their technology.”
C-Capture will use the new funding to further develop the technology, support larger pilot projects in other industries, and increase marketing globally.