📚 Mock Exercise 25

In 2006, the National Carbon Solutions Agency (NCSA), headquartered at 155 Energy Transition Way, Aberdeen, Scotland, began evaluating carbon capture and storage as a method to reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions. At the time, power generation and heavy industry accounted for approximately 52% of national carbon dioxide output. Early feasibility studies between 2007 and 2009 examined capture efficiency, transport infrastructure, and geological storage capacity. Pilot analyses suggested that CCS could capture up to 90% of emissions from large point sources, positioning it as a key tool in climate mitigation strategies.

Pilot deployment began in 2010 with the construction of a demonstration facility at Peterhead, located 50 kilometres north of Aberdeen. The project became operational in 2013 and was capable of capturing 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually. According to NCSA data, the facility cost 1.1 billion to develop, funded through a combination of government grants and private investment approved in June 2009. Early monitoring confirmed stable underground storage in depleted gas reservoirs.

Despite technical success, several challenges emerged. A 2014 review reported that capture systems increased power plant operating costs by 28%. Public concern also arose regarding the long-term safety of underground storage. In addition, pipeline construction faced delays due to land access negotiations. To address these issues, NCSA launched public information campaigns in 2015 and introduced revised safety regulations, including continuous seismic monitoring.

Policy support expanded after 2016, when the UK government committed 4.2 billion to scale CCS infrastructure nationwide. By 2020, three major industrial clusters were connected to shared CO2 transport and storage networks. National emissions data showed that facilities using CCS reduced carbon output by an average of 19% between 2016 and 2021, demonstrating measurable environmental benefits.

Economic and industrial impacts were also documented. A 2021 study conducted by the University of Edinburgh estimated annual economic benefits of 2.6 billion from job creation and technology exports. Employment in CCS-related engineering roles increased by 14% between 2018 and 2022. Industrial operators also reported improved compliance with emissions regulations, reducing the risk of financial penalties.

Future plans focus on innovation and cost reduction. NCSA aims to integrate next-generation capture materials by 2035 to improve efficiency and lower energy penalties. As of January 2024, 48% of the UKs large industrial emitters were connected to CCS networks. Pilot projects scheduled for 2027 include offshore storage expansion in the North Sea, supporting long-term net-zero targets.