A project that aims to capture, transport and safely store CO2
emissions from across Scotland will be granted £2 million from
the Scottish Government.
The new funding will be used to explore how a pipeline could
transport Carbon Dioxide from Scotland's central belt to the
North East.
The Acorn Carbon transport and storage project is a joint venture
with the Scottish Cluster, benefitting from the collective
expertise of Storegga, Shell UK, Harbour Energy and North Sea
Midstream Partners, along with National Gas.
The project is working with industrial, power, hydrogen,
bioenergy and waste-to-energy businesses, including those in
Peterhead, Grangemouth and Mossmorran, who wish to capture CO2
emissions and send to permanent geological storage under the
North Sea.
The project is working with industrial, power, hydrogen,
bioenergy and waste-to-energy businesses, including those in
Peterhead, Grangemouth and Mossmorran, who wish to capture CO2
emissions and send to permanent geological storage under the
North Sea.
Visiting St Fergus in Aberdeenshire, where the
Acorn transport and storage terminal will be located, First
Minister said:
“The Acorn project will be essential in securing the future of
key industrial sites like Grangemouth and Mossmorran. A National
Gas pipeline is a critical component of the project and I am
delighted that the Scottish Government is providing funding to
accelerate this innovative work.
“We are determined to support projects like this to support the
development of Scotland's carbon capture and storage sector and
the fair and just transition of oil and gas sector.
“This announcement today demonstrates our unwavering support for
carbon capture and storage, and I am confident that the UK
Government will work constructively with us to ensure the Acorn
Project is awarded Track 2 status. Enabling this innovative work
to progress will help unlock so many opportunities not just for
Scotland, but for the UK as a whole.”
Managing Director of Acorn Nic Braley said:
“We welcome the Scottish Government's support for the SCO₂T
Connect project, and the recognition of its importance for the
decarbonisation of Scotland's industry.
“Working together, Acorn and National Gas can provide a CO₂
transport and storage solution to the Scottish Cluster, a diverse
range of emitters from across Scotland and the rest of the UK,
who are all committed to timely and cost-effective
decarbonisation.
“The Scottish Cluster, with Acorn at its core, and the UK and
Scottish governments can collectively make a major contribution
to UK Net Zero commitments, supporting ambitions for clean
energy, green prosperity and value for money.
“We look forward to working with both Scottish and UK Governments
to make the Scottish Cluster a reality."
CEO of National Gas Jon Butterworth said:
“We are committed to reaching net zero, and excited to explore
how our world-class gas network can be at the heart of the drive
to decarbonise with carbon capture and storage.
“We welcome today's announcement from the Scottish Government. It
is a brilliant example of how government and industry can work
side-by-side to deliver clean energy solutions.”
