The purpose of creating the hub initiative is to facilitate local and regional decarbonisation, which will take effect throughout the Southwest of England. This project creates the potential to unlock more than £4 billion investment to the broader area.

Avonmouth is the selected location for the 7CO2 hub and it is planned that this facility will provide a pathway for the permanent storage of post-combustion captured CO2. Doing this will create a significant step forwards when it comes to achieving the UK’s climate goals.

Moreover, in order to support this project, Apollo’s studies will receive funding from 7CO2 and the UK Innovate Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan (LIDP)  grant. Apollo’s studies will focus on rail, land and power options and these will collectively contribute to the comprehensive West of England LIDP.

In a report released by the company, Apollo stated that the studies will, ‘Assess the feasibility of transporting CO2 by rail from regional emitters.’ They will also, ‘Identify and evaluate land for industrial decarbonisation projects, such as clean power, hydrogen production, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.’ Finally, the studies will, ‘Explore cost-effective power supply options, such as renewable generation and small modular nuclear reactors.’

A final advantage of Apollo demonstrating their approach to these studies, is that it will provide a solid foundation for the 7CO2 hub and this will in turn, help to drive regional decarbonisation efforts. Doing this will also set a precedent for future carbon capture projects within the UK.

On top of this, the project will also show comprehensive and practical outcomes and this will happen through Apollo collaborating with key stakeholders and partners. These companies will include Suez, Viridoor, SSE, EDF, Network Rail, National Grid, GB Rail Freight, VTG, Bristol Port, Petrofac, Ameresco, Bristol City Council, Western Gateway, and Hydrogen South West.

Apollo’s Decarbonisation Director, Phil Westmorland, said, “We’re excited to collaborate on this innovative project, which will have a significant impact on regional decarbonisation efforts and the UK’s climate goals.”