Halton residents are set for an early glimpse of carbon capture technology poised to be developed in Runcorn.

Waste and recycling giant Viridor wants to install the technology at its Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) and will be holding a public information event to unveil the plans to local residents, as well as a webinar for anybody unable to attend.

The drop-in session will share information on the project, which bosses claim will capture around 900,000 tonnes of CO2 each year and store it under the sea in Liverpool Bay as part of the wider HyNet hydrogen energy pipeline.

Carbon capture and storage involves separating carbon dioxide (CO2) from other gases that are produced during industrial operations, such as those that happen at Runcorn ERF. The CO2 is then transported away from the site, via a pipeline, stored or buried in a deep, underground, offshore location.

CCS is expected to play a key role in helping the UK reach net zero emissions by 2050.

But the technology has proven controversial in some quarters, with opponents claiming it is 'over-hyped' and that it 'distracts' from the idea of reducing harmful emissions rather than trying to capture them.

 

Darren Bolton, plant manager at Viridor Runcorn, said: "We’re excited that there’s the opportunity to potentially bring carbon capture to Viridor Runcorn and in doing so make it a world leading facility by becoming one of the first ERFs in the world to introduce carbon capture.

"And at the same time, we’ll be helping to decarbonise the waste industry in the North West."

The firm said the proposals will go on to become the subject of a planning application which will be submitted to Halton Borough Council – but said more design work and further consultation will take place ahead of a submission.

Mr Bolton added: "It’s a really fascinating project and we want to work with the community as the plans take shape. We know that there will be lots of questions and we encourage people to come along to our events so we can answer them."

The drop-in information event will take place on Tuesday, April 23 between 4-8pm at The Old Police Station, Mersey Road, Runcorn.

There will also be an information webinar with a Q&A session on Tuesday, April 30 at 6pm. Anyone can register and submit their questions in advance by visiting: https://www.viridor.co.uk/our-ambition/runcorn-ccs-project.