The UK Government has recently introduced the second phase of its Direct Air Capture and Greenhouse Gas Removal Programme, offering £64 million in grant funding. This funding opportunity is exclusively available to successful first-phase projects, totalling 24 in number.
The primary objective of this initiative is to move projects beyond the design and feasibility stage and into the realm of demonstration. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) anticipates that at least one of the supported projects will achieve commercial viability by 2025.
To address climate concerns, the UK's Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has recommended the capture of 22 million metric tonnes (mT) of CO2 annually by 2030, utilizing both man-made and nature-based methods. The CCC estimates that the plans put forth by BEIS may only deliver approximately 10 million metric tonnes, prompting a call for stronger action to be taken.
In addition to the programme, BEIS is also unveiling its 8th Energy Entrepreneurs Fund, which aims to provide £30 million in grant funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The funding is intended to support the development and scaling of energy efficiency technologies, enabling the generation of low-carbon electricity and heat through self-generation methods. A total of 54 projects have been selected for this fund.
Overall, these initiatives demonstrate the UK Government's commitment to combating climate change and fostering innovation in the energy sector, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving a sustainable future.
