ERM sets out opportunity for Carbon Capture and Storage in the Energy from Waste sector to support the UK’s net zero transition

ERM's latest report, published today, has highlighted the potential for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to decarbonise the EfW sector, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%.

The report, ‘Carbon Capture and Storage in the Energy from Waste Sector: A route to net zero,’ presents the findings of a study commissioned by the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to assess the role that CCS can play in reducing emissions from the EfW sector.

The study found that CCS could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the EfW sector by up to 90%, helping the UK to meet its net zero targets. CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes and storing it underground, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere.

The report identified a number of potential CCS projects in the EfW sector, including projects at the Ferrybridge Multifuel 2, Wilton 1, and Newhurst EfW plants. These projects could capture and store up to 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, equivalent to taking 1.5 million cars off the road.

The report also sets out a number of recommendations for the government to support the development of CCS in the EfW sector. These include providing financial support for CCS projects, developing a clear regulatory framework for CCS, and raising awareness of the benefits of CCS.

ERM’s report is a significant contribution to the debate on the role that CCS can play in decarbonising the EfW sector. The report’s findings will help to inform the government’s policy decisions on CCS and support the development of a low-carbon economy in the UK.