The United Kingdom is advancing plans to facilitate the development of carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS) infrastructure, with a particular focus on non-pipeline transport (NPT) of carbon dioxide. A consultation launched on , by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, seeks feedback on policy proposals designed to support domestic NPT projects. This move is seen as crucial for achieving the UK’s net zero target by 2050, a goal the Climate Change Committee (CCC) deems unattainable without widespread CCUS adoption.
The consultation, which closes at , centers on several key areas: the delivery mechanism for support, funding for NPT costs, potential fee options, and the allocation of risk across the CCUS chain. Respondents are encouraged to utilize an Excel NPT data template for questions 3, 10, and 23, available through the online consultation platform.
NPT is considered particularly important for sectors where pipeline infrastructure is either technically or economically unfeasible. The government highlights waste management, bioenergy, and power generation as industries that may heavily rely on NPT to decarbonize. Deploying NPT solutions in the near term is also viewed as a way to reduce future costs as the CCUS sector matures and becomes self-sustaining, bolstering the UK’s ambition to lead the global CCUS market.
The consultation explicitly invites responses from a broad range of stakeholders, including those developing and utilizing CO2 NPT routes, UK CO2 transport and storage network developers, infrastructure providers, supply chain companies, trade bodies, academics, and prospective investors. This broad outreach signals the government’s intent to foster a collaborative approach to building out the necessary infrastructure.
The focus on NPT comes as the UK continues to develop its broader CCUS strategy. The East Coast Cluster, based in Teesside, is currently undergoing a selection process, indicating a regional focus on early CCUS deployment. While details of the Teesside selection process are limited, it underscores the government’s commitment to tangible progress in carbon capture and storage.
A call for evidence on NPT and cross-border CO2 networks was previously conducted, opening on , and closing on under the previous administration. This earlier phase sought to gather information on the government’s vision for NPT and to identify potential value chains and cross-border network opportunities, laying the groundwork for the current consultation.
The government acknowledges the vital role CCUS plays in the UK’s economic transformation, emphasizing its potential to grow the economy, support low-carbon industries, and create high-value jobs. This economic dimension is a key justification for the investment and policy support being directed towards CCUS development.
An online stakeholder session is scheduled for , from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, to discuss the NPT fees in detail and address questions from participants. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit questions in advance via Slido, with the link to be published on .
The development of NPT infrastructure is not without its challenges. Successfully implementing these systems requires careful consideration of standardization and operational issues, as well as a robust regulatory environment. The consultation aims to address these concerns and establish a clear framework for NPT deployment.
The broader European context also supports the UK’s efforts. Recent reports indicate slow but significant progress in carbon capture and storage across Europe in 2025, suggesting a growing momentum towards decarbonization technologies. While the UK is pursuing its own path, it is operating within a wider European landscape that is increasingly focused on reducing carbon emissions.
The government’s email address for inquiries related to the consultation is NPTandCrossBorderCO2@energysecurity.gov.uk. The consultation reference is “Carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS): non-pipeline transport (NPT)”.
