Category: CCSA News

Today The Tony Blair Institute’s released a report, ‘Scaling the Carbon-Removals Economy’, setting out the importance of carbon dioxide removals (CDRs) and the steps needed to scale-up the industry to meet our climate targets.

Following the release of the report CCSA Senior UK Policy Officer, Despoina Tsimprikidou, said:

“The CCSA welcomes the Tony Blair Institute’s report highlighting the critical role of CDRs in achieving our climate targets and protecting our environment for future generations. As the report rightly highlights, to tackle climate change effectively, we must actively remove CO₂ already in the atmosphere, alongside deep emissions cuts.

Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) infrastructure is essential for scaling up CDRs, while safeguarding key industrial sectors, supporting a secure, low-carbon energy system and helping decarbonise sectors such as aviation. Early investment in these technologies will reduce costs over time, making the transition more affordable and sustainable.

With the right policy, regulatory support, and coordinated investment now, the UK can lead globally in CCUS alongside CDRs – transforming our geology into a service industry for permanent CO₂ storage, creating new export opportunities, jobs and long-term economic advantage. The UK is already progressing rapidly on the report’s delivery pillars but momentum needs to be maintained if the UK is to become a global leader in CDR.”

Olivia Powis, CEO of the CCSA, said:

“Today’s publication of the Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan marks an important milestone in the UK’s net zero journey. It reaffirms that CCUS, including GGRs, forms part of the most cost-effective route to net zero and represents a significant economic opportunity – decarbonising industry and power in a way that drives growth.

We particularly welcome the Government’s continued commitment to key CCUS clusters and projects – HyNet, the East Coast Cluster, Acorn, Viking, and the Peak Cluster – which will play a central role in delivering CO2 emissions reductions through CB6, as well as the need to maintain momentum for further clusters to enable delivery of CB7 and beyond.

Delivering this plan will require close collaboration between Government and industry to unlock private investment, accelerate project deployment, and maintain the UK’s global leadership in low-carbon innovation. The CCSA looks forward to continuing to work with DESNZ and partners across the value chain to turn these ambitions into delivery that drives growth, energy security and lasting climate benefits across the UK.”

CCSA has published a new report “Next Steps for UK CCUS Deployment”.

This report focusses on non-fiscal measures to maximise confidence, drive growth, and ensure timely delivery of a strong CCUS sector in the UK.

View the report here.

The CCSA welcomes the Government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan, which recognises the vital role that CCUS and hydrogen will play in achieving the UK’s clean energy future and industrial growth ambitions.
Following the announcement, CCSA CEO Olivia Powis said,

“We welcome the Clean Jobs Plan and its recognition of the vital role CCUS and hydrogen will play in achieving the UK’s growth and decarbonisation goals while keeping industries competitive. Developing the necessary skills base is crucial to unlocking these sectors’ full potential and protecting thousands of existing industrial jobs.

Establishing a dedicated Hydrogen and CCUS Skills Accelerator, in partnership with industry, marks an important step toward creating high-quality employment and ensuring a just transition for skilled workers from the North Sea. The CCSA looks forward to collaborating with government and partners to build the workforce powering the clean energy future.”