The British government will invest £200 million ($272 million) into the Acorn carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in St Fergus, Scotland, a key initiative in the country’s drive toward net zero emissions by 2050. The funding, announced as part of a broader spending review, is aimed at accelerating final investment decisions and building vital CCS infrastructure.
Acorn is being developed by Storegga, Shell UK, Harbour Energy, and North Sea Midstream Partners. It will capture CO₂ emissions from industrial processes and store them beneath the North Sea. “This vital support will enable the critical work needed to reach Final Investment Decision,” said Storegga CEO Tim Stedman, calling the move a significant milestone for Scotland’s CCS industry.
In addition to Acorn, the government said it would also back the Viking CCS project in England’s Humber region, though no specific funding figure was disclosed. Once operational, the two projects are expected to capture up to 18 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
“This will support industrial renewal in Scotland and the Humber with thousands of highly-skilled jobs at good wages to build Britain’s clean energy future,” said Energy Minister Ed Miliband.
The investment forms part of the UK’s broader £9.4 billion CCS pledge over the current spending period and its £21.7 billion CCS commitment over 25 years.
Swifteradio.com
