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Image: Viridor's planned Runcorn CCS plant Credit: Viridor
ERM, the world’s leading sustainability consultancy, has released a report by Viridor outlining how Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in the UK’s Energy from Waste (EfW) sector could revolutionize the nation’s path to net zero.
The report emphasizes the long-term significance of EfW in reducing landfill waste and recovering valuable energy and materials. By integrating CCS technology, the sector can decarbonize its treatment of non-recyclable waste while producing Carbon Dioxide Removals (CDRs)—a critical mechanism for capturing biogenic CO2. The analysis reveals that EfW could contribute 27% toward the UK’s 2035 CDR target, underscoring its pivotal role in achieving climate goals.
Beyond its environmental benefits, CCS deployment in EfW could deliver substantial economic advantages. The report estimates that in 2050, this initiative could attract £19 billion in investment, generate over 14,000 green jobs, and unlock nearly £40 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA). Such outcomes are expected to catalyze further CO2 transport and storage infrastructure development, providing a much-needed boost to the UK’s historic industrial regions and aligning with the government’s regional growth strategy.
Momentum is building within the EfW sector, with six facilities near CO2 storage hubs already announcing CCS initiatives. Two of these projects—Protos ERF and Viridor’s Runcorn ERF—are currently in discussions to secure government funding for deployment by 2027 as part of the HyNet Cluster in North West England.
The report paints a compelling picture of CCS in EfW as a game-changer for decarbonization and economic revitalization. By marrying climate action with regional development, the UK has a unique opportunity to lead in sustainable innovation while meeting its critical 2035 climate targets.
With the integration of CCS, EfW stands poised to transform waste management and act as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth. This dual impact positions the sector as a cornerstone of the UK’s journey toward net zero.
Tim Rotheray, Viridor's Chief Sustainability Officer, says, “Having looked at ways to decarbonise the waste sector, we have concluded that carbon capture is a crucial technology that complements ongoing efforts in reuse, recycling, and redesign. Today’s ERM report reinforces this perspective and highlights the potential benefits for both investors and the government in supporting these initiatives.”
Silvian Baltac, Partner leading ERM’s Industrial Decarbonisation practice, states, “ERM’s analysis shows that uptake of CCS across the UK’s EfW facilities is aligned with the UK’s net zero strategy and supports key government targets. It also provides significant opportunity for investment and green jobs in historic industrial areas that could support regional growth for decades to come.”
Supporting the findings, Owen Michaelson, chair of RRUK, says, “We stand on the brink of a historic opportunity. The roll-out of CCS in EfW offers the chance not only to decarbonise essential public infrastructure but drive the UK closer to its net zero target and establish this country as a world leader in carbon capture deployment. The Government’s commitment to this program, through policy support and funding, has brought us to a momentous point, and, as an industry, we are ready to deliver on the promise of what can be achieved. It’s time to turn the CCS vision into reality.”
Olivia Powis, CEO of the CCSA, says, “As part of the UK’s mission for clean power by 2030 and net zero by 2050, we need to utilise all technologies available. For energy from waste (EfW), carbon capture and storage is the only viable route to prevent CO2 reaching the atmosphere. If we are to reduce emissions by at least 81% on 1990 levels by 2035, CCS on EfW facilities will decarbonise waste incineration, produce power as a by-product, and can contribute to negative emissions.”