The UK is making significant strides in carbon capture technology, a crucial component in the fight against climate change. With multiple projects underway, including offshore carbon storage initiatives and industrial decarbonisation efforts, the sector is poised to create thousands of green jobs while reinforcing the country’s commitment to net-zero emissions. And It’s going to have a significant impact in our region with the HyNet project having been given the go ahead.
The rise of carbon capture technology
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) involves trapping carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial processes and storing them underground or repurposing them for other uses. While some critics argue that CCS is expensive and unproven, the technology is gaining momentum globally, with more than 600 projects in development. The UK government has committed £22bn to CCS initiatives over the next 25 years, signalling strong support for the industry.
The future’s bright, the future’s green
The expansion of CCS technology is expected to drive significant job growth in engineering, construction, and environmental sciences. Engineers, welders and electricians will be in high demand as new CCS facilities are built and existing industrial sites are retrofitted with carbon capture systems.
Beyond direct employment, CCS projects will stimulate local economies by attracting investment and supporting supply chains. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently announced a £2bn CCS deal for HyNet which includes the construction of 35km of new pipelines to transport CO₂ from industrial plants in North Wales and the North West to depleted gas fields beneath the seabed. The project, led by Italian energy company Eni, has secured financial backing and is now moving into the construction phase, expected to generate 2,000 jobs. The majority of these will be awarded locally, ensuring that the benefits are felt within the communities most affected by industrial emissions.
Carbon capture technology is emerging as a cornerstone of the UK’s green economy, offering a viable solution for reducing emissions while creating thousands of jobs. With strong government backing, industry support, the UK is positioning itself as a global leader in CCS development. There are similar decarbonisation projects being developed across the UK from Scotland to Teesside, from Humberside to Devon. As these initiatives progress, they will not only help combat climate change but also provide long-term employment opportunities in sustainable industries.
Take advantage
TTE is positioned perfectly to help its apprentices take full advantage of this excellent news. Not only are we in the heart of the region that the flagship HyNet project is based, but we also exist to train the next generation of engineers and construction workers across a range of disciplines.
And HyNet is just the start, because already expansion plans are already being drawn up. For example Essar Energy Transition (EET) is developing HPP1, the UK’s first large-scale low-carbon hydrogen production plant, with a capacity of 350MW, boosting employment prospects yet further.
The future of green jobs locally looks promising, with CCS playing a pivotal role in shaping a cleaner, more resilient economy and powering our people’s prospects.