Arup has been awarded funding to demonstrate the feasibility of using carbon capture technologies within UK infrastructure projects to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions
Arup in collaboration with Costain, the University of Edinburgh, and Newcastle University, will explore the use of biochar for storage of carbon within soil and enhanced rock weathering.
The Arup-led team was awarded the funding, made available from the government’s £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, through submission of a proposal to Phase One of the BEIS Direct Air Capture and other Greenhouse Gas Removal technologies competition.
While both these technologies have already proved effective for direct capture of CO2 in agriculture settings, this project aims to demonstrate these technologies can be upscaled for application to UK infrastructure schemes.
The team will assess the challenges and benefits of this technology application and engage with industry stakeholders through consultation. It will also design pilot schemes for demonstration on a live infrastructure project and identify potentially suitable sites.
The project has been funded by the government’s Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Determined to tackle climate change
Dan Raynor, associate director at Arup, said: “Our team will be focusing on two technologies known to be effective for direct carbon capture, but which have not previously been applied at scale in an infrastructure setting.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us to explore how these innovative technologies could be used globally as a sustainable application in the built environment to contribute towards carbon reduction targets.
“We are delighted to have been awarded this funding by BEIS and look forward to delivering this work together with our collaborators, Costain, the University of Edinburgh and Newcastle University.”
Energy Minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, added: “We are determined to tackle climate change and make it win-win for both our planet and our economy.
“Today’s major cash boost – targeted at our most polluting industries – will encourage the rapid development of the technologies we need to reign in our emissions and transition to a green economy, one that reduces costs for business, boosts investment and creates jobs.”
