Plans by UK energy-from-waste operator enfinium to install carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology at its Ferrybridge site have been directed to be a Project of National Significance by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The Ferrybridge 1 and 2 facilities in Knottingley, West Yorkshire, represent the largest energy from waste site in the UK, transforming more than 1.4 million tonnes of unrecyclable waste into enough homegrown energy to power around 350,000 homes every year.

Enfinium has previously announced an ambition to lead an investment of up to £800m over the project lifecycle in CCS at Ferrybridge.

Once operational, the technology would capture around 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) every year, including over 600,000 tonnes of durable, high-quality carbon removals – equivalent to taking the carbon emissions of every household in Manchester out of the atmosphere.

The firm says confirmation from the UK government– known as a Section 35 direction – is an important step in the planning and consenting programme for CCS at Ferrybridge, with statutory consultation due to take place later this year ahead of the submission of an application for Development Consent to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2025.

The direction from the Secretary of State notes that the proposal “would provide and support the decarbonisation of the largest energy from waste site in the UK, with the potential to deliver over a million tonnes of CO2 savings per annum, equating to 6.5% of the government’s annual carbon capture and storage ambition”.

Mike Maudsley, CEO of enfinium said: “This designation is an important step in realising our ambition to turn Ferrybridge into one of Europe’s biggest carbon removal projects. 

“Carbon capture at Ferrybridge will deliver jobs in the green economy, decarbonise unrecyclable waste produced across the North of England and support West Yorkshire’s plans to have a Net Zero economy by 2038.”

Paul Green, VP business development of enfinium, added: “Carbon capture at Ferrybridge is a critical infrastructure project for the UK. 

“We look forward to commencing our planning and consenting programme this year and sharing our plans with West Yorkshire communities and key stakeholders.”