Aldersgate Group reaction: Government confirms funding to launch the UK’s first carbon capture sites

Reacting to the government’s confirmation of funding to launch the UK’s first carbon capture sites, Dr Marie-Laure Hicks, Head of Policy at the Aldersgate Group, said: “The government should capitalise on opportunities to grow green sectors and place decarbonisation at the heart of industrial strategy. The UK has high growth potential in CCS – the confirmation of funding for CCS supports confidence for the private sector to invest. However, this is just one signal, and consideration must be given to the wider policy environment to ensure success and wider economic benefits from the commercialisation and deployment of CCS. For example, the government must be clear on UK demand for CCS and its role in industrial decarbonisation, as well as develop frameworks for assurance and standards to enable businesses to invest with confidence. Whilst a small number of industries are reliant on CCS to decarbonise, the government must ensure CCS is not used to continue carbon-emitting activities that are otherwise avoidable, and that wider industry decarbonisation continues at pace with electrification and green hydrogen.”