Arup plays a pivotal role in the world’s largest cement and lime decarbonisation project

40% of all the UK’s cement and lime is produced across Derbyshire and Staffordshire, with the industry currently supporting over 2,000 jobs within the region. However, the industry emits over 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) per year, accounting for over 23% of CO₂ emissions in Derbyshire and Staffordshire. 

In response to this challenge, Peak Cluster will develop carbon capture plants at cement and lime production facilities which will be connected by a proposed underground pipeline to transport CO₂ to the planned Spirit Energy geological storage – Morecambe Net Zero (MNZ). The pipeline will enable the capture and storage of CO₂ emissions from the industrial sites across Derbyshire and Staffordshire operated by Tarmac, Buxton Lime, Breedon and Holcim.

Supported by AECOM and Quod to assess all potential environmental effects, Arup will lead the delivery of the EIA and DCO, covering the consenting of the proposed pipeline and the carbon capture facilities. This includes a comprehensive review of the potential environmental effects on the surrounding areas during both construction and operation phases. The assessment will also consider the interface with Spirit Energy’s proposed offshore infrastructure, which will enable permanent CO₂ storage in MNZ.

Richard Lowe, Director of Energy Consenting and Development at Arup, commented: “We are delighted to be playing such a key role in the development of this transformative project, in which the UK National Wealth Fund have invested, and to build on our deep involvement from its earliest stages. Peak Cluster is working to secure a sustainable future for the UK cement and lime industry and act as a blueprint for similar developments across Europe and the rest of the world.” 

John Egan, CEO of Peak Cluster Ltd, said: commented: “Peak Cluster is focused on securing a sustainable future for the cement and lime industry. Together with MNZ, the UK’s biggest carbon store, we will capture, transport and store CO₂ to support industry to thrive in a low carbon future. The development of this essential infrastructure will help secure good jobs with good wages, produce sought-after low carbon products here in Britain, grow the UK’s supply chain and skills base, secure private investment and lead the global low carbon technology sector.   

“We are working to support the future of this foundation industry, creating a backbone of industrial opportunity that benefits communities across the East Midlands and North West of England.”