Energy from waste firm enfinium has this week launched the UK’s first carbon capture pilot at its Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire, site.

It has described the launch as “a milestone for the sector” and for the UK's bid to support net zero emissions goals.

One tonne of CO2 emissions will be captured from the site’s operations each day.

The initiative is being trialled to see how the technology used can be applied across enfinium’s six energy from waste facilities to remove CO2.

Operational data from the pilot will be collected, including around CO2 capture rate and solvent degradation.

The technology has been supplied by global green technology firm Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI)

The trial will run for at least 12 months, said enfinium.

“We are proud to have this sector-leading project up and running at our Ferrybridge facility, said enfinium chief executive Mike Maudsley.

“Carbon capture and storage technology is central to how the UK will be able to decarbonise its unrecyclable waste.”

“Using carbon capture, the energy from waste sector can provide significant levels of carbon removals and enfinium, with the support of HZI, are taking steps now to achieve this.”

The pilot has been welcomed by among others West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin.

“I’m delighted to see the fantastic work being piloted in Ferrybridge, continuing the long tradition of energy generation and innovation in West Yorkshire,” she said.

“To see this development from enfinium is massively encouraging, as our own modelling shows a need for carbon capture and storage to help us reach our Net Zero ambitions.

“Climate change is one of the biggest global challenges we face, so it’s vital we find new opportunities for innovation that can help us build a greener, more secure region that’s fit for the future.”

Carbon Capture and Storage Association chief executive Olivia Powis added: “The launch of CCS at Ferrybridge is very exciting to see.

“With millions of tonnes of unrecyclable waste produced by the UK, this is an important demonstration of the use of CCS to generate clean power via energy from waste, as well as providing a future route to establishing the UK’s greenhouse gas removal market and enfinium have taken a landmark step with its delivery.”

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