Apollo to lead key studies for a large-scale UK carbon capture and shipping hub

13 August 2024

Engineering and energy advisory Apollo has been commissioned to undertake three essential studies for the 7CO2 Carbon Capture and Shipping Hub. This significant project is designed to enhance decarbonisation efforts in Southwest England, the Midlands, and West Wales, with the potential to bring in £1.3 billion of investment to the Bristol region and over £4 billion to surrounding areas.

Image: Apollo

Located in Avonmouth, the 7CO2 hub is poised to play a pivotal role in permanently storing post-combustion captured CO2, thus advancing the UK’s climate targets. With funding from 7CO2 and the UK Innovate Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan (LIDP) grant, Apollo’s studies will delve into the logistics of rail transport, land use, and power supply, contributing to the broader West of England LIDP report.

The studies will:

- Assess the feasibility of transporting CO2 by rail from regional emitters.
- Identify and evaluate land for industrial decarbonisation projects, including clean power, hydrogen production, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.
- Explore cost-effective power supply options, such as renewable generation and small modular nuclear reactors.

To ensure thorough and effective outcomes, Apollo will work in partnership with key stakeholders such as Suez, Viridor, SSE, EDF, Network Rail, National Grid, GB Rail Freight, VTG, Bristol Port, Petrofac, Ameresco, Bristol City Council, Western Gateway, and Hydrogen South West.

“Apollo provides the expertise needed for a project of this scale and complexity,” said Keith Birch, Technical Director of 7CO2. Phil Westmorland, Apollo’s Decarbonisation Director, added, “We are thrilled to be part of this innovative project that will significantly impact regional decarbonisation efforts and support the UK’s climate objectives.”

Apollo’s strategic approach to these studies aims to lay a solid groundwork for the 7CO2 hub, driving regional decarbonisation and setting a benchmark for future carbon capture initiatives in the UK.