Climate change: Flintshire cement work’s carbon capture plan
Climate change: Flintshire cement work's carbon capture plan BBC
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Sustainable Development Goals and Carbon Capture: Cement Works Plans to Fight Climate Change
Image source: Hanson
Introduction
A cement works in the UK has announced plans to pipe 800,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually out to sea as part of its efforts to combat climate change. Cement giant Hanson believes that capturing carbon is crucial for the UK to achieve its net zero targets.
Hynet Project and Carbon-Reducing Solutions
Hanson is one of the companies selected by the UK government for the Hynet project, which aims to progress plans for carbon-reducing solutions. While Greenpeace has reservations about carbon capture, it acknowledges that it may be necessary for cement production.
How Carbon Capture and Storage Works
Carbon capture and storage involves capturing carbon emissions from industrial processes. In the case of cement production, a significant amount of emissions comes from the chemical processes used. Hanson argues that carbon capture is essential for cement to become carbon neutral.
Padeswood Cement Works: A Net Zero Facility
Hanson’s Padeswood cement works aims to become the first net zero cement works in the UK. The company plans to build a carbon capture facility next to the plant, covering an area roughly the size of seven football pitches. The captured carbon would then be pumped into depleted gas fields under the sea bed in Liverpool Bay.
Environmental Impact and Job Creation
If approved, the project is expected to reduce emissions equivalent to taking 320,000 cars off the road. Hanson claims that the project would protect existing jobs and create new full-time positions.
Funding and Challenges
Hanson’s parent company, Heidelberg Cement Group, would fund the £400m project. The company is currently negotiating with the UK government on how it would be compensated for the carbon it captures. Greenpeace raises concerns about the cost and effectiveness of carbon capture, but acknowledges its necessity in certain industries like cement production.
Related Topics
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
- SDG 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article mentions the following indicators:
- Carbon dioxide emissions reduction from cement production
- Number of carbon capture-enabled cement works in the UK
- Amount of carbon dioxide captured and stored
- Number of jobs created in the carbon capture facility
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | – |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable. | – |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | – |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: bbc.com
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