Carbon capture, utilisation and storage
Build a social licence for UK carbon capture and storage
Copper Consultancy is helping to build a ‘social licence’ for UK carbon capture and storage (CCS). Working with the country’s most carbon-intensive industries, we’re focused on community consent and driving down industrial emissions.
Understanding Carbon Capture
Carbon Storage is essential for decarbonising the UK’s most carbon-intensive industries, such as cement, steel and power generation. However, without a social licence, CCS projects can stall or even fail.
This is why we’re playing a key role in helping UK CCS projects engage with key stakeholders, such as local communities, and build the trust that’s needed to keep projects moving. So far, we’ve supported major CCS projects across the UK including HyNet, Connah’s Quay Low Carbon Power – a new zero emission gas fired power station and gaining consent for Padeswood the first carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) project in the cement industry. These projects have the potential to save up to 10 million tonnes of CO2 per year, unlocking significant decarbonisation opportunities.
HyNet North West
Copper led HyNet North West’s crucial public phase by driving its brand and digital transformation. We redeveloped the website with an intuitive user interface, streamlined navigation and added compelling graphics that clearly illustrated a low-carbon vision of the future. We created a consultation microsite, engaging social media assets, and an accessible animation, which explained the carbon capture pipeline. These efforts helped to explain complex concepts more simply, in turn boosting stakeholder and public engagement. Our strategic digital campaign positioned HyNet as a UK net-zero leader, delivering outstanding results: Facebook engagement increased by 8433%, X (formerly Twitter) impressions rose by 279% and LinkedIn followers grew by 303%.
Increasing social engagement and impressions
Heidelberg Materials UK – Padeswood CCS Project
Copper delivered comprehensive communications and consultation for Heidelberg Materials UK’s Padeswood CCS project, guiding it from inception to Developments of National Significance (DNS) submission. We actively built local and political support, aligning the project with government priorities such as decarbonisation and levelling-up. By securing high-level meetings, leveraging grassroots advocacy and gaining endorsements from the Secretary of State for Wales and the Welsh Government, we generated significant media coverage and industry backing. These proactive efforts helped Padeswood CCS receive planning permission five months early, with no examination hearings – demonstrating strong public and political credibility.
Building local support
Uniper – Connah’s Quay
Since October 2023, we have supported Uniper’s first Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project: Connah’s Quay Low Carbon Power. The existing power station is one of Wales’s largest carbon emitters and a priority for Uniper. We collaborated with Uniper from project inception through to public launch, non-statutory and statutory consultations, supplementary targeted consultation and DCO submission. Throughout the process, we have provided strategic guidance, navigated unique challenges and helped build strong relationships with key local stakeholders and the community. Our efforts have ensured effective engagement and have positioned the project for successful progression in a complex environment.
View more carbon storage projects
Get in touch
Build the trust that’s needed to keep UK CCS projects moving and engage with key stakeholders.
info@copperconsultancy.com
