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The UK’s clean energy revolution has reached a major milestone with the expansion of the HyNet carbon capture and storage (CCUS) cluster, a flagship project spanning the North West of England and North Wales. The government has confirmed two new priority projects, expected to create 2,800 skilled jobs while driving billions of pounds of investment into the region.
This development strengthens Britain’s journey to net zero, balancing job creation, industrial renewal, and climate commitments. HyNet will not only cut millions of tonnes of emissions but also deliver low-carbon power, secure the energy grid, and cement the UK’s role as a leader in global carbon management.
HyNet: A Cornerstone of Britain’s Net Zero Plan
HyNet is one of the UK’s most advanced CCUS projects, covering Cheshire, Merseyside, and Flintshire. Earlier this year, the Prime Minister gave the green light to the Liverpool Bay Transportation & Storage Network, which will carry captured carbon to offshore reservoirs beneath the seabed.
With its latest expansion, HyNet will have the capacity to store 4.5 million tonnes of CO₂ annually the equivalent of removing nearly two million cars from Britain’s roads. The cluster is central to decarbonising hard-to-abate industries such as cement, chemicals, and steelmaking, while also supporting clean power generation and hydrogen production.
Two Priority Projects Announced
The government has confirmed that two pioneering facilities will be integrated into HyNet’s network:
- Uniper’s Carbon Capture Power Station
A low-carbon gas-fired power plant that will provide electricity for around 900,000 homes. Designed with integrated carbon capture, it will also offer flexible backup for renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. - Evero Energy’s BECCS Facility
The UK’s first dedicated bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) project. It will process waste wood into clean energy while permanently removing 217,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year marking a key step toward large-scale greenhouse gas removals in Britain.
| Project | Developer | Impact | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Capture Power Station | Uniper | Powers ~900,000 homes | Integrated CCS for electricity |
| BECCS Facility | Evero Energy | Captures 217,000 tonnes CO₂ annually | UK’s first dedicated carbon removal plant |
Jobs and Skills Development
The HyNet expansion will generate 2,800 direct jobs across engineering, construction, and technical support. Thousands more are expected indirectly through manufacturing, logistics, and infrastructure supply chains.
| Category | Example Roles | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Pipeline Engineers, Process Specialists, Safety Managers | Very High |
| Construction | Welders, Site Managers, Civil Engineers | High |
| Technical Support | Plant Operators, Monitoring Staff | Medium |
| Supply Chain | Equipment Suppliers, Transport Workers | Medium |
Beyond immediate opportunities, the government anticipates the CCUS sector could sustain 50,000 UK jobs by the 2030s, particularly in former industrial heartlands.
Infrastructure and Energy Security
To achieve these goals, HyNet will deliver new pipelines for transporting CO₂ to offshore storage sites beneath Liverpool Bay, alongside retrofits of existing power plants. Subsea reservoirs, designed to safely store millions of tonnes of CO₂, will provide the backbone of the cluster.
These innovations not only help Britain decarbonise but also position the UK as an exporter of carbon capture expertise, supporting global climate efforts while creating new commercial opportunities.
Looking Ahead: Hydrogen & Beyond
Alongside the two priority projects, the government has identified five additional schemes as potential candidates for future integration. These include hydrogen production hubs, direct air capture technology, and energy-from-waste plants with carbon capture. Together, they would create a comprehensive low-carbon ecosystem for the North West.
The vision extends beyond carbon capture: by building a regional hydrogen economy, the UK could supply cleaner fuels for heavy industry and transport while accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels.
Government Support and Economic Growth
The government has pledged £21.7 billion to CCUS, with £9.4 billion committed in the current parliamentary term. By 2050, the sector is expected to contribute £5 billion annually to the UK economy, while delivering long-term energy resilience.
By backing CCUS clusters such as HyNet and the East Coast Cluster in Teesside, ministers are ensuring Britain retains its industrial base while transitioning to clean energy.
A Blueprint for the Future
The HyNet expansion shows how climate goals and economic growth can go hand in hand. By creating thousands of jobs, attracting billions in investment, and removing millions of tonnes of emissions, it demonstrates a model for industrial regeneration that other UK regions can follow.
As Britain pushes towards its 2050 net-zero target, HyNet offers proof that clean energy is not just about cutting carbon but also about building a more prosperous, secure, and resilient future.
