- The £20 million plant captures 40,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
- Ecokarb® will be exported to over 60 countries.
- The project received a £4.2m grant from BEIS.
- TCE aims to reduce carbon intensity by 80% by 2030.
Introduction
Tata Chemicals Europe (TCE) has inaugurated the UK's first industrial-scale carbon capture and usage plant, marking a significant step towards achieving the UK's net zero targets.
Investment and Capacity
The £20 million facility, located in Northwich, captures 40,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to removing over 20,000 cars from the roads. This reduces TCE’s carbon emissions by more than 10%.
Innovative Process
In a world-first, the captured CO2 is purified to food and pharmaceutical grade and used to manufacture sodium bicarbonate, branded as Ecokarb®. This process is patented in the UK, with further patents pending globally.
Global Export
Ecokarb® will be exported to over 60 countries, generating significant export revenue. Much of it will be used in haemodialysis treatments for kidney disease patients.
Government Support
The project was supported by a £4.2 million grant from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) Energy Innovation Programme. This support underscores the collaboration between business and government in advancing sustainable manufacturing.
Future Goals
TCE aims to reduce its carbon intensity by 80% by 2030, building on a 50% reduction achieved since 2000. The new plant is a crucial part of this roadmap, demonstrating the viability of carbon capture technology for future, larger-scale investments.
Local Impact
The plant supports over 1,000 jobs in Cheshire, ensuring the sustainability of chemical manufacturing in the region for future generations.
