WYG joins pioneering commercial Carbon Capture & Storage project
PRESS RELEASE
24 April 2013
WYG has joined the project pioneering a new commercial venture into Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). CCS technology, if developed at scale, could significantly help the UK government meet its challenging carbon emission objectives through the safe removal and storage of harmful carbon dioxide emissions from coal and gas fired power stations and heavy industry.
WYG will support its client, National Grid, in achieving Development Consent for a new cross-country pipeline to transport carbon dioxide emissions generated in the Yorkshire and the Humber region to a permanent storage site beneath the North Sea. For the international multi-disciplinary consultancy, the appointment represents a huge vote of confidence in its ability to manage the consent process in line with relatively new legislation, and to effectively dovetail the process with the separate offshore element of the project.
The Yorkshire and Humber CCS project is the first of its kind in England although a similar scheme is running in parallel in Scotland. The CCS pipeline will serve as a demonstration project for the country, with the ultimate objective of a network of schemes transporting carbon dioxide emissions from a number of emitters in the region.
With a length in excess of 16 kilometres, the onshore cross-country pipeline constitutes a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) requiring an application to be made to the Planning Inspectorate for a Development Consent Order (DCO) under the Planning Act 2008. The first step in this process is the completion of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) work following receipt of a Scoping Opinion from the Planning Inspectorate earlier this month.
The 90 kilometre sub-sea offshore pipeline will be subject to authorisation from the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, in accordance with the Petroleum Act 1998 and the Energy Act 2008 respectively.
Leeds based Senior Planner, Liz Wells, who is managing the project for WYG said: “The onshore / offshore element and diversity of stakeholders associated with this scheme has added plenty of dimension to this project. It’s been crucial to approach assessment, planning and stakeholder engagement consistently, and this will continue as the project gains momentum. Regular dialogue with the Planning Inspectorate, local authorities and stakeholders will be critical to ensure project milestones are achieved and progress maintained.”
Formal public consultation on the onshore scheme is anticipated to take place this summer, with the Statement of Community Consultation due to be published in the coming months. Assuming permission is granted on target in 2015, the scheme could be operational from 2018/19.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Background to the Yorkshire and Humber CCS Project
1. On 20 March 2013, the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) confirmed that the White Rose Project in Yorkshire had been selected as a Preferred Bidder in the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) competition for the UK. This funding enables carbon dioxide emissions to be captured within the curtalige of the Drax Power Station in South Yorkshire and ultimately connect to the Yorkshire and Humber CCS pipeline.
2. In November 2008 the UK government passed the Climate Change Act, making the country the first in the world to have a legally binding commitment to cut carbon emissions. The aim is to reduce greenhouse gases by 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.
3. CCS can reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of existing power stations by as much as 90% (source: http://www.ccshumber.co.uk/combating-climate-change.aspx) as well as helping to ensure the security of UK energy supplies by allowing us to retain fossil fuel energy generation but use it in a cleaner and more responsible manner. CCS could also support renewable energy development by providing a reserve to cope with any intermittent electricity supply from wind or solar power, for example.
For more project information please visit the project website at: http://www.ccshumber.co.uk/project-downloads.aspx
Louise Gardner, PR and Communications Executive
WYG GROUP LTD
Arndale Court, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2UJ
Tel: : 44 (0)113 278 7111
Email: groupcommuncations@wyg.com
Twitter: @wyggroup
About WYG
One of the top-ranking global consultancies employing around 1,400 people, WYG is behind some of the world’s most challenging projects. Our specialists provide expert advice and project management support that is helping shape landscapes, infrastructure, society and culture in the developed and developing world.
We advise on planning and transport, provide engineering and environmental services, consult on waste and resource management, and deliver support to enable economic and social reform.
By engaging with clients at an early stage we ensure that decisions are made which will maximise a project’s potential and deliver our client’s strategic objectives. In turn, this builds strong and lasting relationships with clients in each of our seven core sectors:
• Defence & Justice
• Energy & Waste
• Environment (including Waste & Waste Water)
• Transport
• Commercial Development & Urban Regeneration
• Mining & Metals
• Social Development & Infrastructure
WYG has an international presence with offices throughout the UK, and in Eastern Europe, the Middle East & North Africa, and South Africa.
