Spirit Energy needed a concept design and definition package for a safe and secure carbon storage complex for shipped CO2 cargos in the depleted South and North Morecambe gas fields. This included infrastructure for the transportation and permanent storage of CO2 from industrial emitters across the UK and Europe, and a multi-user industrial site for energy and decarbonisation industries.

Arup was appointed to conduct the engineering concept design and definition package for the elements of the Morecambe Net Zero (MNZ) LCO2 Shipping Value Chain programme at Barrow, including a jetty, marine infrastructure, onshore facilities and pipelines. Arup undertook all screening, design, and engineering studies for each aspect of the design to ensure safety and technical feasibility, incorporating modularity of design to accommodate future storage demands. Our work expanded to investigate the use of clean geothermal energy to meet the high electricity requirements of the site.

MNZ will be one of the first marine carbon capture and underground storage hubs in the world. It has the potential to be the UK’s largest storage complex for CO2, with capacity to accept up to one gigaton of CO2 in its lifetime. It will also create a carbon storage business that provides a transition from existing gas industries, safeguarding regional jobs, creating new ones, and attracting international investment to support the local economy.  

Exploring geothermal energy to drive innovation 

Our scope of work expanded to include an assessment of the potential to capture and utilise geothermal energy, aimed at further enhancing the plant’s operational sustainability. This initiative could also meet Morecambe Bay area’s needs for residential heating, district heat, waste heat recovery and cooling, potentially creating an innovative carbon-negative project. 

A large factory with large machines.

Existing onshore gas facilities at Barrow-in-Furness on Morecombe Bay.

Minimising ecological impact through design 

As part of our collaborative, multidisciplinary design approach, we considered the complex ecological considerations of the area to minimise the potential impact to both nature and the community. Morecambe Bay is a site of special scientific interest and the MNZ site is close to the town of Barrow, with an adjacent nature reserve and coastline paths used by the local community. Pipelines have been directed across the bay to minimise the impact on walkers and cyclists enjoying the area, as a result of consultation with the local community.    

Arup and Spirit worked closely together both on the concept design and definition package on time and on budget. This year we celebrate 40 years of production at the Barrow Terminal. Arup was there 40 years ago supporting the terminal during construction. It is great that we continue to work together as we enter the next phase of Morecambe’s life.

Stephen Brown

Capital Projects Manager, Spirit Energy