Topsoe to Provide Technology for Essar’s $450m Carbon Capture Project

Topsoe, a developer of low carbon technology, has been selected by Essar Oil UK to provide the technology for its £360m carbon capture facility in North West England. The facility, expected to be operational by 2028, aims to eliminate approximately one million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year by storing the captured CO2 in depleted gas fields under the sea in Liverpool Bay.

Elena Scaltritti, Chief Commercial Officer at Topsoe, conveyed enthusiasm about the partnership, describing the agreement as a significant milestone for Topsoe’s development in the UK. She also expressed eagerness to collaborate with Essar on this vital project, which showcases the potential for the fossil industry to decarbonise itself.

The company’s SNOX technology will play a pivotal role in removing contaminants from the flue gas emitted at Essar’s Stanlow refinery, including nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, dust, and other pollutants. This technology will not only contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions but also recover sulphur in the form of commercial grade concentrated sulphuric acid, without generating any waste or ocean discharge.

Deepak Maheshwari, CEO of Essar Oil UK, underscored the project as a significant step in the company’s decarbonisation strategy. With an investment of $1.2 billion, Essar Oil UK aims to become the world’s first low carbon refinery, targeting a 95% reduction in emissions by 2030 through energy efficiency, carbon capture, and fuel switching.

The UK government’s emphasis on industrial fuel switching is evident through the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge, which provides funding for the development of technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen fuel switching. This initiative demonstrates the commitment to investing in sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions in the industrial sector.

Essar’s carbon capture facility represents a positive advancement in achieving environmental sustainability in the oil industry and reflects the increasing trend of companies embracing low carbon technologies to reduce their carbon footprint. As the global community continues to address climate change, partnerships such as the one between Topsoe and Essar serve as a model for sustainable industrial practices, paving the way for a greener and more environmentally conscious future.