Four Zeros Energy and Vergia Partner to Accelerate UK Green Hydrogen Development and Industrial Decarbonization
Key Insights
The HyNet carbon capture cluster in North Wales and North West England will create 800 new skilled jobs, bringing the total direct employment supported by the project to 2,800.
Two new projects, Connah’s Quay Low Carbon Power and Ince Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (InBECCS), are entering negotiations to join the HyNet network, enhancing its capacity and scope.
The Connah’s Quay project will provide clean power for up to 900,000 homes, while InBECCS will be the UK's first carbon capture-enabled greenhouse gas removal facility, utilizing waste wood.
This expansion is part of the UK government's £21.7 billion commitment to the carbon capture industry, aiming to store 4.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually and boost regional economic growth.
The HyNet carbon capture cluster, spanning North Wales and North West England, is set to create an additional 800 skilled jobs, bringing the total direct employment supported by the project to 2,800. This expansion follows the Prime Minister's approval in April for the construction of the Liverpool Bay Transportation & Storage network, with two new projects now entering negotiations to join the world-leading site.
These new roles, primarily for engineers and construction workers, will drive significant growth and investment across the HyNet network, which encompasses Cheshire and Flintshire. The development involves constructing new pipelines and manufacturing facilities, alongside repurposing existing power plants to capture and safely store carbon emissions beneath the seabed. This initiative is central to the government's modern Industrial Strategy, aiming to decarbonize heavy industry and contribute to the UK's net-zero ambitions.
The two prioritized projects joining the network are the Connah’s Quay Low Carbon Power project in North Wales and Ince Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (InBECCS) in Cheshire. The Connah’s Quay facility, a new power station incorporating carbon capture, is projected to generate enough clean energy to power 900,000 homes at peak output, providing crucial low-carbon backup for the grid. InBECCS, utilizing waste wood for low-carbon energy generation, will be the UK's first carbon capture-enabled greenhouse gas removal project, aiming to remove 217,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Industry Minister Sarah Jones emphasized the strategic importance, stating, "We are securing the jobs of the future, the power for our homes and the protection of our planet by becoming world leaders on carbon capture and storage." Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens added, "It’s fantastic to see North Wales at the forefront of the carbon capture industry and the hundreds of new jobs being created by the HyNet project will help drive regional growth as well as accelerating our drive towards lower bills and energy security."
Eni CCUS Holding's Managing Director, Manfredi Giusto, noted that the decision contributes significantly to filling the initial capacity of the Liverpool Bay project, which has already commenced its execution phase. Mike Lockett, Uniper UK Country Chair, highlighted the government's support as vital for achieving clean power by 2030 while maintaining electricity supply security. Elliot Renton, Evero CEO, underscored the significance of InBECCS as a pathfinder for UK greenhouse gas removal projects.
This expansion aligns with the government's substantial £21.7 billion commitment to the carbon capture industry, with £9.4 billion allocated during the current parliamentary term. The HyNet network is designed to store up to 4.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to removing 2 million cars from the road. The government has also identified five standby projects, including hydrogen production and direct air capture initiatives, signaling a broader integrated approach to regional decarbonization and energy security.