News

Arup collaborates to secure the UK’s first carbon capture permit using proprietary solvents

The milestone achievement underpins Arup’s strategic support of carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a significant driver in meeting global energy and climate goals.

Author

Last updated: 28th October 2025

Global engineering and built environment consultancy Arup has helped to secure planning consent and an environmental permit for the proposed carbon capture plant at VPI’s Immingham Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facility.

The plant is one of the proposed anchor emitter projects for the Viking CCS cluster in the Humber region. Once operational, the CHP plant is expected to capture up to 3.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually.

This is the first UK environmental permit to allow the use of proprietary amine solvents in carbon capture technology – a significant regulatory milestone for the UK’s CCS industry. As opposed to traditional amines, the advanced solvents offer greater CO2 absorption efficiency, reduced energy demand and lower maintenance costs due to improved longevity.

Arup provided parallel consenting, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and environmental permitting services for the first CCS retrofit to a power station. This includes detailed consideration of the use of proprietary amines in the assessment process.

Helen Watson, UKIMEA Environmental Permitting Associate at Arup, commented: “Securing the UK’s first regulatory approval for the use of proprietary solvents in carbon capture is a milestone achievement – not just for VPI, but for the UK’s wider decarbonisation efforts. The solvent’s enhanced performance will help maximise carbon capture efficiency and sets a vital precedent for future CCS projects.

“Leading on major carbon capture projects such as Peak Cluster, Arup is committed to advancing CCS as part of achieving net zero and a key solution for traditionally hard-to-abate sectors.”

Jonathan Briggs, Director of Development and Delivery at VPI, commented: “As the government aims to develop the UK’s carbon capture and storage industry, projected to contribute around £30 billion to GDP by 2050, selecting the right projects in the right locations is crucial, especially during times of fiscal restraint.

“The permit and planning permission reflect VPI’s dedication to ensuring our project meets one of the key criteria for making CCS a success – delivering the project swiftly and establishing the Humber as a central hub for this emerging industry. We have completed all the necessary preparations at this stage.”