Arup has been picked to lead key parts of one of the world’s largest cement and lime decarbonisation projects.
The consultancy, which specialises in the built environment, has been appointed by Peak Cluster to lead the project’s environmental impact assessment and development consent order.
Arup’s remit will cover the consent 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. Arup will be supported by AECOM and Quod in its assessments.
“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,” Arup director of energy consenting and development Richard Lowe said.
“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.”
Peak Cluster will develop carbon capture plants at cement and lime production facilities at industrial sites operated by Tarmac, Buxton Lime, Breedon and Holcim across Derbyshire and Staffordshire. This will be connected by a proposed underground pipeline to transport CO₂ to the planned Spirit Energy geological storage – Morecambe Net Zero (MNZ).
“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,” Peak Cluster chief executive officer John Egan said.
“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.”
