Hauliers are ‘well-placed’ to benefit from a potential need to transport and dispose of carbon dioxide, the Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) said, as government began a so-called ‘Pathfinder’ selection process for the nascent industry in the Teesside area.

The Pathfinder is a step towards a multi-billion pound government investment to develop technologies and infrastructure that will enable carbon-intensive industries to capture the carbon dioxide they produce and send it for deep permanent disposal offshore. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is regarded by government as a necessary complement to electrification for industry. However, developing the new industry is complex as it requires both new technologies and major pipeline investment. Different forms of government support will likely be needed for each part of the new industry. Non-Pipeline Transport (NPT) in the form of trucks, ship and rail will be required to transport all carbon dioxide at present, and there will be a continuing requirement for transport to injection points when pipelines are built.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has this month asked organisations that want to transport carbon dioxide for offshore subsea disposal to apply to the ‘Pathfinder’ selection process. Applicants must provide detail of arrangements for transporting carbon dioxide by truck, ship or rail because the planned pipeline has yet to be developed.

The new Pathfinder seeks applications from CCUS projects seeking to join an ‘East Coast Cluster’ connecting to a planned Teesside network by 2032, including via non-pipeline transportation (NPT). DESNZ will assess applications to identify projects that could connect to the network and it said the Pathfinder “represents an important step in progressing CO2 NPT solutions, supporting the development of a more flexible CCUS network alongside existing pipeline infrastructure”.

Mark Sommerfeld, UK Director of the CCSA, said: “The launch of the NPT Pathfinder is a welcome first step toward opening up the market for capturing CO₂ at dispersed sites across the UK and transporting these emissions to storage locations. At this stage, the scheme’s scope is limited – focused on projects connecting to the East Coast Cluster and those able to proceed with minimal support or using biogenic feedstocks to deliver carbon removals. However, it provides a valuable opportunity to generate practical learnings that can enable the wider transport of CO₂ by road, rail, and ship in the future.”

Sommerfield added, “Haulage providers are particularly well placed to capitalise on this emerging market as capture and storage infrastructure develops nationwide. CO₂ is already transported by road across several industries, especially in the food, beverage and fertiliser sectors. The growth of the storage market could significantly expand these opportunities. Many sites are also likely to rely on multimodal solutions, with hauliers playing a critical role in moving CO₂ from capture sites to railheads or ports for onward transport. The CCSA is working with government to help ensure a comprehensive non-pipeline market framework is delivered as soon as possible.”

In the Pathfinder documentation DESNZ said it expects applicants to have engaged with a transport and storage company (T&S Co) to understand how they could connect to the network and any connection requirements.

For the non-pipeline transport needs, applicants must include a process description, identifying the location and layout of related facilities and required third party interfaces. Evidence must be included demonstrating access to, or planned development of, key infrastructure required for the NPT Solution to operate effectively, along with potential operational constraints such as congestion, lack of freight capacity or freight paths, or other users of the same infrastructure. The applicant also has to set out the planning and consents required, and DESNZ says, “It would be beneficial to demonstrate evidence of engagement with the relevant planning and permitting authorities and their feedback, or expert advice on the most appropriate approach to planning and permitting. …Please ensure that you highlight areas of risk and uncertainty.“

CCSA’s Sommerfeld, said: “The CCSA welcomes the launch of the Non‑Pipeline Transport Pathfinder as an important step forward in accelerating CCUS deployment in the UK. Enabling CO₂ transport by road, rail and ship is essential to opening up the market and allowing more industries to decarbonise, invest in their future and support jobs and growth. While eligibility is limited, this Pathfinder provides a valuable opportunity to generate early lessons. Government should ensure they move swiftly to build on these, alongside the ongoing industry consultation, to put a comprehensive NPT market framework in place and accelerate delivery.”

The Pathfinder application window closes on 12 June .