Tata Chemicals opens first carbon capture plant in Cheshire

The Tata Chemicals plant, a UK first, will capture 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year - the equivalent to taking over 20,000 cars off the roads and will reduce carbon emissions by more than 10 per cent.

The Northwich-based project will also help unlock the future of carbon capture in the UK as it demonstrates the viability of the technology to remove carbon dioxide from power plant emissions and to use it in high end manufacturing applications.

In a world-first, carbon dioxide captured from energy generation emissions is being purified to food and pharmaceutical grade and used as a raw material in the manufacture of sodium bicarbonate which will be known as Ecokarb®. This unique and innovative process is patented in the UK with further patents pending in key territories around the world.

CO2 tanks at the new Tata carbon capture plant

Ecokarb® will be exported to over 60 countries around the world, generating tens of millions of export revenue every year. Much of the sodium bicarbonate exported will be used in haemodialysis to treat people living with kidney disease.

The carbon capture plant, which was supported with a £4.2m grant through the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s (“BEIS”) Energy Innovation Programme, marks a major step towards sustainable manufacturing which will see TCE make net zero sodium bicarbonate and one of the lowest carbon footprint sodium carbonate products in the world.

Martin Ashcroft, Managing Director of Tata Chemicals Europe, said: "Our plant is really important in demonstrating the viability of the technology required to remove carbon dioxide from power plant emissions, helping to de-risk potentially larger investments in the future.

"Today marks a key development in our low carbon transition helping to develop more sustainable manufacturing techniques that can be applied at a global level.

"It also highlights our commitment to provide long-term, high quality jobs in our local communities which is a key part of our modern industrial strategy as we work towards a net zero economy.”

The £20 million is a UK first

Speaking ahead of the opening of the plant, Mike Amesbury, MP for Weaver Vale said: “Manufacturing has been key to this area for over 150 years so it’s great to be part of such an historic moment.

“Even though, today, there are many competing agendas, sustainability is still crucial and we must continue working towards Net Zero.

“The investment made by Tata Chemicals Europe in this leading-edge carbon capture plant will not only support the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions here, but it will also pave the way for others to use this technology.

"Tata Chemicals Europe helps support over 1000 jobs so this type of sustainable investment will help secure chemical manufacturing in Cheshire for future generations."