The UK’s first project to explore moving captured carbon without pipelines - unlocking a regional shipping hub and eFuel production for net zero.
The problem
The 7CO2 project, as part of the Avonmouth Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan (LIDP), aimed to address the significant challenge of reducing CO2 emissions in the Southwest of England, Midlands, and Wales.
The basis of the study was to explore Non-Pipeline Transport (NPT) of large-scale CO2 and aggregate into a shipping hub to facilitate local and regional decarbonisation efforts.
This involved capturing post-combustion CO2 emissions from various industrial sources and transporting it to a central hub for onward shipment or potential conversion into eFuels.
The background
The 7CO2 hub was envisioned as the UK’s first large-scale NPT CO2 capture and shipping project, with an estimated inward investment of up to £1.3 billion for the Bristol region and over £4 billion for the broader Southwest, West Midlands, and Wales regions.
The project aimed to support sustainable industrial decarbonisation by providing a pathway for permanently storing captured CO2 and producing carbon-neutral eFuels for hard-to-decarbonise sectors such as aviation and maritime.
The process
Apollo undertook a comprehensive feasibility study to assess the engineering building blocks required for the 7CO2 hub.
The study involved several key components: stakeholder engagement, regional CO2 emissions source identification, rail infrastructure evaluation, and power option analysis.
To inform the study, Apollo utilised its experience from previous projects, such as the Sullom Voe Terminal Energy Hub and the Severnside Energy Study.
The team developed a GIS map to identify key CO2 emitters and worked with Network Rail to optimise rail transport routes for CO2 transportation.
Additionally, Apollo conducted a detailed analysis of electrical loads and explored various power supply options, including renewable energy sources and nuclear power.
The solution
Apollo focused on using existing infrastructure and innovative solutions to create an efficient and cost-effective CO2 capture and transportation system.
The team proposed using local authority regions to define the study’s bounds and developed a data capture tool to engage with key emitters.
By collaborating with stakeholders and regional entities, Apollo ensured that the study aligned with broader regional development goals.
The power option study explored various renewable and electrical energy sources to provide a stable and cost-effective power supply for the 7CO2 hub and future hydrogen and eFuel projects.
The outcome
The feasibility study successfully identified the key components and pathways required to establish the 7CO2 hub.
Apollo’s detailed analysis and stakeholder engagement provided a clear roadmap for the project’s implementation, highlighting the potential for significant regional investment and decarbonisation benefits.
The study’s findings supported the development of a Class 5 cost estimate and formed a comprehensive part of the LIDP report.
The results have now informed potential subsequent stages of the project, ensuring that the 7CO2 hub could effectively capture and store CO2 emissions while producing carbon-neutral eFuels for the aviation and maritime sectors.
Keith Birch, 7CO2’s Technical Director said:
“Apollo has supported our collaboration with regional stakeholders, technology and service providers, undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the project’s technical and financial viability.
Apollo’s commitment, dedication and ability to bring together key partners have been invaluable in developing a clear roadmap for the future, and we look forward to driving the development of this critical regional decarbonisation project forward.”
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