The Climate Change Working Group (SMDC) of High Peak Council met on Wednesday, 12 June 2024, to discuss the Peak Cluster Project presented by John Egan from Progressive Energy Ltd. The project aims to decarbonise the cement and lime facilities in Staffordshire and Derbyshire, which produce 40% of the UK's lime and cement and emit 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. The group discussed the project's implications, including carbon capture technology, pipeline routes, and public consultations.

Peak Cluster Project

John Egan, Project Director of Progressive Energy Ltd, presented the Peak Cluster Project, which focuses on decarbonising the cement and lime facilities in Staffordshire and Derbyshire. These facilities are responsible for 40% of the UK's lime and cement production and emit 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, accounting for over 23% of emissions in the two counties.

Egan explained that the project involves building carbon capture plants at five major cement and lime sites. These plants will capture carbon dioxide from flue gas before it is released into the atmosphere. The captured carbon dioxide will then be transported via pipelines to depleted gas fields beneath the Irish Sea for storage. Egan noted that the project aims to be operational by 2030.

The group discussed several key issues related to the project:

• Pipeline Routes: Egan mentioned that Progressive Energy is currently evaluating pipeline corridors to determine the most feasible route. Factors such as avoiding built-up areas, ecologically sensitive sites, and steep slopes are being considered. The proposed routes will be made public in Autumn 2024, followed by consultations with relevant bodies.

• Public Consultations: Progressive Energy plans to engage in extensive public consultations with local authorities, statutory bodies, landowners, and the public. Given the project's national significance, permission will be sought from the Secretary of State rather than the Local Planning Authority.

• Environmental and Economic Considerations: The group discussed the stability and ecological impact of the Irish Sea storage sites, planning arrangements for the carbon capture plants, and the economic and regulatory factors influencing the project's viability. Opportunities for Biodiversity Net Gain and how these might be integrated into the Council’s Plan For Nature were also considered.

The group resolved to note the presentation with thanks.

For more details, you can refer to the Previous Draft Minutes 240424.