United Kingdom – The UK Government has made significant strides in its commitment to low-carbon hydrogen initiatives by selecting two carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS) projects for Track 2 status.
The Acorn project in Scotland and the Viking project in the Humber have been chosen as the third and fourth CCUS clusters, promising to support the development of low-carbon hydrogen projects in northeast Scotland and the Humber region. This move represents a defining milestone in the UK’s journey towards a net-zero economy and a greener future. However, amidst the progress, questions arise about the government’s plans for oil and gas licenses, inviting scrutiny and calls for greater clarity on the country’s energy transition.
The selection of the Acorn and Viking projects under Track 2 status marks a crucial step in the UK’s efforts to pave the way for low-carbon hydrogen initiatives. These CCUS clusters aim to provide the necessary infrastructure and technology for decarbonizing various sectors, including industries and residential areas, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. By capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with hydrogen production, these projects are poised to contribute significantly to meeting carbon reduction targets and supporting a sustainable hydrogen economy.
CCUS for sustainable progress
Carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS) is a key technology underpinning the shift to low-carbon hydrogen. It involves capturing CO2 emissions from industrial processes or power generation and storing them securely underground to prevent their release into the atmosphere. With the Acorn project focusing on reforming North Sea natural gas to generate hydrogen and storing the associated CO2 under the sea, and the Viking project targeting its first storage by 2027 in the Humber region, these CCUS initiatives promise to revolutionize the UK’s hydrogen landscape.
The Acorn and Viking projects hold immense potential to support a greener future for the UK. By promoting the adoption of low-carbon hydrogen and facilitating carbon reduction in energy-intensive industries, these CCUS clusters can play a vital role in the nation’s journey towards achieving its ambitious net-zero targets. Additionally, the projects are expected to create thousands of jobs and foster economic growth in regions prioritizing sustainable energy solutions.
Energy transition conundrum
Amidst the progress in low-carbon hydrogen initiatives, the UK Government’s decision to grant “hundreds” of new oil and gas licenses has invited criticism from some quarters, raising questions about the nation’s energy transition. While the government emphasizes bolstering energy security and capitalizing on domestic supplies, there are concerns about the environmental impact and reliance on carbon-intensive gas imports.
