This research area covers the capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced, for example, by power stations and energy-intensive industry and its secure long-term storage.
This research area looks at the capture of CO2 produced, for example, by power stations and energy-intensive industries, and its secure long-term storage.
It includes air capture, transportation of CO2, permanent storage and utilisation options, and the integration of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies into current energy systems. Novel next-generation capture technologies are a major element.
Research in this area should be related to the reduction of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. This excludes the utilisation of captured carbon into chemicals, as this is outside the remit of this research area.
We are open to interdisciplinary research that seeks to address current energy challenges. We still expect to fund discovery research, but are supportive of challenge-focused research proposals.
We anticipate a development in CCS towards:
- bioenergy and CCS (BECCS)
- hydrogen production
- the decarbonisation challenge.
Energy programme
The Energy programme has previously recognised the significance of CCS research in the energy landscape and has therefore invested in the UK Carbon Capture and Storage Research Centre (UKCCSRC).
This will provide focus and coordination for underpinning CCS research and networking opportunities for the research community and stakeholders, as well as to develop CCS capacity within the UK.
Preparing for investment
We will continue to support the CCS community, as the requirement of CCS has become essential to 2050 net zero targets and to prepare the community for incoming investment and translation of research within CCS and carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS).
Collaboration
The programme will continue to support UKCCSRC and the CCS community in collaborating with:
- industry
- government – through the CCUS Council
- non-governmental organisations
- other energy stakeholders.
Working with other research councils
We will provide evidence for developing and implementing an effective CCS strategy for efficient and significant impact. This includes working with the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to consider a socio-economic, political and environmental approach when addressing technical issues surrounding cost reduction, risk reduction and integrating carbon capture using a whole-systems approach.
There is an expectation for researchers to engage across research council remits to understand the perception of CCS when developing technology and when assessing appropriate biomass feedstocks.
Fellowships
The programme will ensure capacity and capability are available for the future of CCS by training and knowledge transfer, through early career and established career fellowships. The CCS community should make use of skills and best practices from the oil and gas community in preparation for the positive shift in the landscape.