Tougher climate change targets are welcomed by Humber industry

PM SETS OUT AMBITIOUS TARGET ON CARBON

NEW targets to cut the UK’s emissions have been welcomed by those leading transformative projects in the most carbon intensive cluster in the UK. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has upped the ambition to a 68 per cent cut on 1990 levels, a 7 per cent increase on that now enshrined in domestic climate law.

He said the “ambitious” target in the new climate plan, or nationally determined contribution as it is known under the Paris Agreement, would see the UK cutting emissions at the fastest rate of any major economy so far. David Talbot, chief executive of process industry body Catch, has worked with the Humber LEP to set the industrial strategy and road map decarbonisation in the region.

It is work that could bring in huge investment and secure thousands of jobs, while creating many more. He said: “The Humber region is at the forefront of the UK’s drive to reduce industrial carbon emissions, and has several key projects being led by industry to support the journey to net zero emissions by 2040.

“The latest statement is a welcome reinforcement that we are on the right track, and that decarbonisation should be at the forefront of our industrial strategy.

“The Humber is the selfproclaimed Energy Estuary and has a large base of energy producing and energy intensive industries across the North and South banks, including power production, the two refineries, the steel works and Saltend Chemical Park, which means we are the highest carbon emitting region in the UK by some margin.

“With the ambitious capital projects being forwarded as part of the cluster decarbonisation opportunity being run by BEIS plus our own low carbon activities supporting our members and stakeholders, the Humber has the ability to contribute hugely to the

UK’s ambitions and could ensure the UK becomes a positive example to the rest of the world.

“We need to grab this opportunity that is presenting itself now with both hands to ensure that we make a difference to the future of the planet.”

The past year has seen carbon capture come to the fore, with two major projects taking in the Humber, and a £1b funding pot made available by the Chancellor, with bids now in.

Zero Carbon Humber, led by Equinor, involves hydrogen production and carbon capture use and storage, connecting the likes of Drax, SSE’s Keadby power cluster, British Steel and Saltend Chemicals Park.

Anders Opedal, chief executive of Equinor, said: “As a significant and growing investor in the UK, Equinor welcomes this increased climate ambition, which will encourage more investment and job creation in a UK low-carbon economy. Equinor aims to be a net-zero company by 2050, and works together with the UK government and society to develop solutions towards a low-carbon future.

“Equinor is currently actively involved in technology development, offshore wind, and hydrogen and carbon capture and storage projects in the UK. We look forward to future exciting announcements.”

Humber Zero focuses on the South Bank refinery cluster, with Phillips 66 and Vitol. Jonathan Briggs, project director, said: “We welcome the Prime

Minister’s ambition.

“If we are to meet this new target, decarbonisation will play a crucial role.

“Humber Zero is ready to start and will have a significant impact on the reduction of carbon emissions by mid 2020s.

“It will capture up to eight million tonnes per annum of CO2 for transportation and storage in nearby locations.

“The project creates 2,500 jobs during construction, 200 permanent jobs, and safeguards 20,000 direct and indirect jobs on the South Bank. “We have a world class partnership ready to meet the goals and ambitions of the Paris Agreement and ensure the Government hits its net zero carbon target by 2050.

“Carbon capture and storage is not just an option, but an imperative and its importance was also recognised by the Prime Minister in his recent ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution.” Mr Johnson’s target follows the upping of offshore wind capacity installation in October, and the 10-pint plan for a ‘green industrial revolution’ outlined last month.

It is significantly higher than the UK’s target to cut emissions by 53 per cent, as its contribution to the European Union’s existing climate plan under the Paris deal – though the bloc is also expected to raise its ambition.

We welcome the Prime Minister’s ambition. If we are to meet this new target decarbonisation will play a crucial role. Humber Zero is ready to start

Jonathan Briggs, above