Public asked for views on CO₂ capture pipeline plan

A public consultation on plans to transfer and store carbon dioxide (CO₂) under the North Sea is taking place.

The Humber Carbon Capture Pipeline (HCCP) would run underground for 57 miles (about 92km) from the Drax power station near Selby, North Yorkshire, along the south Humber bank in North and North East Lincolnshire before heading under the river to a terminal at Easington, on the East Yorkshire coast.

The CO₂ would be stored in the Endurance saline aquifer in the North Sea.

The Humber region produces 12.4 million tonnes of CO₂ a year, more than any other UK region, according to National Grid.

There would be pumping stations above ground, and the pipeline would have connecting pipes to capture emissions from industrial sites along the route.

Rich Denny, managing director of developer Northern Endurance Partnership, said: "The HCCP has the potential to be a game-changer for businesses across the Humber, driving economic growth while decarbonising operations.

"This consultation is a chance for people to have their say and help shape a project that builds on the region's proud industrial legacy."

The proposed pipeline is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, which means a decision on whether to approve it will be made by the government rather than local councils.

The public consultation runs until 17 December with a series of events in towns and villages across East Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.

It is one of a number of carbon capture schemes proposed for the region.

In June, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed support for the Viking CCS Humberside project, which would pipe CO₂ from Immingham to be stored off the Lincolnshire coast.

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