The Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) has released a regional growth map detailing the economic impact of the UK ‘s initial carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects, urging the government to safeguard committed capital and prevent investment leakage.

According to the trade body, the first five projects across the East Coast Cluster (ECC) and HyNet have awarded more than £4 billion (~$5.2 billion) in supply chain contracts to roughly 350 companies and subcontractors. 

Both hubs are currently exceeding their voluntary 50% UK supply chain content targets, supporting 5,500 active construction jobs across Teesside, the North West, and North Wales.

The economic benefits extend beyond primary industrial zones. Over 60% of pipe sections for the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) – the offshore transport spine for the East Coast Cluster – were manufactured in Hartlepool. Concurrently, United Living Infrastructure Services is executing a £250 million (~$330 million) transport and storage contract for HyNet, sourcing specialized subsea power cables from Cambridgeshire.

The CCSA estimates that long-term CCUS deployment could support up to 50,000 jobs by 2050, unlock £26 billion in private investment by 2030, and deliver £94 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA).

With over 100 additional carbon capture and greenhouse gas removal projects seeking access to regional transport and storage networks, the trade body called on ministers to establish clear, investable frameworks allowing follow-on projects to reach Final Investment Decisions (FID) during the current Parliament.

“Contracts for building CCUS are being placed with British companies, skilled people are at work, and major infrastructure is being built,” said Olivia Powis, CEO of the CCSA.

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