A cutting-edge carbon capture facility at the Protos energy hub in Ellesmere Port has been sanctioned by Cheshire West and Chester’s planning committee.
The project promises to reduce enormous amounts of CO2 emissions and stands as a collaborative effort by Biffa and Encyclis, ushering a significant stride in the green sector.
Located at Marsh Lane in Ince, the novel carbon capture plant, a joint venture between Biffa and Encyclis, aims to capture 95% of flue gases emitted by the neighbouring Energy Recovery Facility (ERF). This facility is groundbreaking in the UK, capturing an impressive 380,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, akin to removing 200,000 cars off the road each year.
The facility will generate £50 million for the regional economy during construction. Over its first 20 years, it is anticipated to contribute £30 million to the local economy and accrue £20 million in business rates.
Councillor Katrina Kerr expressed enthusiasm, highlighting the project’s contribution to the green skills initiative within Cheshire West, which is crucial in advancing the local workforce.
The wider Protos site forms a vital part of the HyNet North West project, further solidifying its role in the hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) sector..
Owen Michaelson, Encyclis’s CEO, praised the council’s decision as a key advancement towards delivering carbon capture at commercial scale, promising to stimulate green growth across the supply chain.
It is projected to boost the regional supply chain and unlock numerous opportunities for technological advancement and eco-friendly practices.
As part of the broader development agenda, this project demonstrates a paradigm shift towards green economics, fostering sustainability and innovation.
The approval of the carbon capture facility reinforces the region’s commitment to sustainability and economic growth. It symbolises a leap forward in employing state-of-the-art technologies to combat climate change.
This initiative not only promises environmental benefits but also considerable economic advantages, positioning the North West as a leader in green innovation.
