Runcorn residents are being invited to have their say on carbon capture proposals that could see Viridor’s energy recovery facility take further efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Viridor will be holding a consultation on these proposals to decarbonise the waste sector through the use of carbon capture at its Runcorn Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) from today until Sunday, March 30.
The consultation provides an opportunity for local people to learn more about the project and share their feedback ahead of a planning application being submitted to Halton Borough Council.
Carbon capture at Runcorn has the potential to capture around 900,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year – equivalent to the carbon dioxide that’s emitted by around 3,000 commercial return flights from London to New York.
In addition, the plans will mean Viridor’s facility at Runcorn is contributing to the government’s target of reaching net zero by 2050 and managing the decarbonisation of the region’s non-recycled waste.
Once captured, the carbon dioxide will be safely transported via the HyNet industrial carbon cluster through an underground pipeline and stored in depleted oil and gas reservoirs under the seabed.
The new carbon capture plant at Runcorn will trigger an inward investment to the area of more than £0.5 billion, as well as creating around 370 jobs during its construction.
Viridor has invested over £1.2 billion in developing a network of advanced ERFs across the UK and delivers innovative ways to reduce, reuse, recycle or recover energy from items sorted into household bins every day. Viridor also works with local authorities to hit recycling and waste management targets.
James Eyton, head of CCUS at Viridor said: “We are looking forward to sharing our plans with the local community and showing them the incredible opportunities available both for the environment and for the local economy. Please do come along to our in-person and online events to hear from us, ask us questions and have your say.”
Consultation events will also be held at:
- Friday, March 14, from 3pm to 7pm – The Old Police Station, Mersey Road, Runcorn, WA7 1DF
- Saturday, March 15, from 9am to 12pm – Runcorn Shopping City, WA7 2EU
There will also be a webinar held at 6pm to 7pm on Tuesday, March 18. You can register by visiting the project website www.runcornccs.com.
Any questions about the plans, can be discussed with Viridor, by calling 0800 860 6264 or email [email protected].
