Here at Paul Winter Consulting Ltd (PWCL), we manage multiple Energy-from-Waste and Anaerobic Digestion plant construction projects, from conception of idea through construction, commissioning and handover for our clients.  

Here, Deputy Project Manager Ryan Barnett explores carbon capture and carbon capture technologies; the industry challenges and how CCUS can or may be successfully implemented into EfW projects. 

About Ryan and this series of articles

“As a Deputy Project Manager here at PWCL, like all project managers, it is my job to drive change for the realisation of strategic benefits, and manage scope of work whilst adhering to time, cost, and quality constraints within an environment of risk. 

Coming from a background of Renewable Energy & Sustainability Engineering, with a passion for low-carbon energy, decarbonisation, and environmental conservation, I have endeavoured to include carbon capture technologies within my projects, though have often been left deflated by the various hurdles I have faced - which are no different to the challenges the wider Energy-from-Waste industry must overcome to reduce its carbon intensity. 

This has led me to write this article to provoke thought, discussion, and maybe in some small way, drive beneficial change…”

Part one

Navigating the Complexities of Carbon Capture in the UK: The promise and the challenge

Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies are pivotal to the UK’s ambitious plan to reach Net-Zero 2050 emissions targets. For the Energy-from-Waste (EfW) industry, these technologies offer a pathway to significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from waste incineration processes. 

However, the journey to widespread CCUS adoption is laden with technical, economic, and regulatory challenges. Access to carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the UK is almost non-existent except for a select few big emitters outside the waste industry, and the market for carbon capture usage (CCU) is limited to small-scale quantities.

Case Study: Klemetsrud Waste-to-Energy Plant (Norway)

For instance, the Klemetsrud Waste-to-Energy Plant in Oslo, Norway, serves as a pioneering example of integrating CCS technology with Energy-from-Waste operations. 

Processing around 400,000 tonnes of waste annually, the plant captures approximately 400,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. This large-scale facility demonstrates the feasibility and environmental benefits of CCS in EfW operations, using amine-based technology to capture CO₂ from flue gases. 

However, despite its success in Norway, the landscape is different here in the UK; where the UK currently lacks an equivalent large-scale EfW plant with integrated CCS technology.

Unlike Norway, the UK’s focus is on implementing CCUS in small and medium-scale EfW plants. These smaller facilities can still benefit from the lessons learned at Klemetsrud, particularly in terms of technology integration and government support. 

By adapting these technologies to smaller scales, the UK can achieve significant emissions reductions across a broader range of EfW plants, contributing to its ambitious Net-Zero obligations.

Building the Infrastructure 

One of the most significant challenges for the EfW sector is developing the necessary infrastructure for carbon capture, usage, and storage that is accessible to a wide range of industries. 

The UK plans to establish four CCUS clusters by 2030, which will require substantial investment in pipelines, storage facilities, and capture plants. This ambitious effort demands coordinated action across various sectors, including waste management and energy production. 

The UK’s vast storage capacity under the North Sea, capable of holding up to 78 billion tonnes of CO₂, presents a unique advantage. However, ensuring the long-term safety and integrity of these storage sites is crucial to prevent leaks and environmental hazards.

Currently, the UK is utilising two major carbon capture cluster networks to advance its decarbonisation efforts. 

1. The HyNet North-West cluster, located in North-West England and North Wales: this cluster focuses on capturing and storing carbon emissions from various industrial sources, including hydrogen production facilities and chemical plants. 
2. The East Coast Cluster, encompassing the Teesside and Humber regions: this cluster aims to capture emissions from industrial sites and power plants, with plans to store the captured CO₂ in geological formations under the North Sea.

These clusters are integral to the UK’s strategy to deploy CCUS technologies at scale, supporting the decarbonisation of key industrial regions and contributing to the nation’s Net-Zero targets.

The Cost Conundrum 

The financial aspect of CCUS also presents a significant challenge for the EfW industry. 

The initial capital expenditure required for these projects, as an example, is substantial and could stand between £35m and £45m to acquire and install the technologies required to capture one hundred thousand tonnes of CO2 per year, and while the UK government has pledged up to £20 billion to support early deployment, attracting private investment remains a formidable hurdle. 

What’s more, the ongoing operational and maintenance costs of CCUS facilities further exacerbate concerns about economic viability. Creating a competitive market for CCUS involves navigating several uncertainties. 

The future price of carbon is highly unpredictable, impacting the economic feasibility of CCUS projects. Market demand for captured CO₂ is currently limited, with few commercial uses such as in carbonated beverages, enriching atmospheres in greenhouses, or assisting in the slaughter of livestock. The expansion of the carbon capture market is crucial but uncertain.

Additionally, the cost of CCUS technologies has not declined significantly over the past decades, unlike renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind, adding to the financial burden of large-scale implementation. 

The UK aims to establish a market-driven CCUS sector by 2035, but this transition period is fraught with economic risks, including uncertainties related to government subsidies, the stability of carbon markets, and potential technological advancements that could either reduce costs or render current technologies obsolete. 

Addressing these uncertainties requires coordinated efforts, clear regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder engagement. 

By overcoming these challenges, the EfW industry can play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a sustainable future.

Regulatory Roadblocks 

Developing a robust regulatory framework that supports CCUS deployment while addressing environmental and safety concerns is complex, with further uncertainties in regulatory policies potentially delaying project approvals and increasing compliance costs. 

The UK government is working on policies to streamline the approval process and provide clear guidelines for CCUS projects. 

But, public acceptance is also crucial to deployment, as concerns about the safety and environmental impact of CO₂ storage need to be addressed through transparent communication and community engagement. 

Integrating CCUS with existing EfW systems requires careful planning and coordination, aligning projects with the UK’s broader energy transition goals, and ensuring compatibility with renewable energy sources.

The EfW Industry’s Role

The EfW industry is uniquely positioned to contribute to the UK’s carbon reduction goals. By incorporating Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage technologies, EfW plants can capture CO₂ emissions from waste incineration, significantly reducing their carbon footprint. This not only helps in managing waste more sustainably but also supports the UK’s broader climate objectives. 

Amine-based technologies are currently the only realistic option for capturing carbon from industrial processes in EfW facilities, and this involves using an amine solvent to remove CO₂ from flue gas, which is then captured for storage or utilisation. 

The integration of CCUS in EfW plants is a promising pathway for achieving significant emissions reductions, but it requires addressing technical, economic, and regulatory challenges. Continued research, supportive policies, and technological advancements will be key to unlocking the full potential of CCUS in the EfW sector…