UK CO₂ Supply: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions

The UK’s carbon dioxide (CO₂) supply chain has faced major disruption in recent years, affecting industries that rely on a consistent and secure supply. A key turning point came in June 2022, when CF Fertilisers closed its Ince manufacturing plant, one of the UK’s largest domestic CO₂ producers. This closure intensified existing challenges, leading to price volatility, shortages, and production delays across multiple sectors.

With limited domestic production, the UK has become increasingly dependent on imports, leaving its supply chain exposed to global instability. These pressures have created a clear need for sustainable, local CO₂ generation.

Aventurine Climate is addressing this challenge through advanced Carbon Capture & Utilisation (CCU) technology. Our projects are designed to establish a reliable domestic CO₂ supply while enabling industrial decarbonisation and supporting the UK’s long-term sustainability goals.

UK CO₂ Supply: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions in Industry

CO₂ plays a vital role in multiple industries, and any disruption in supply can significantly impact businesses, consumers, and the wider economy.

Key Industries Affected by CO₂ Supply Disruptions

• Food & Beverage: Essential for carbonated drinks, food packaging, refrigeration, and meat processing.

  
  

• Healthcare: Used in medical gases for surgeries, ventilators, and respiratory treatments.

  
  

• Agriculture: Supports greenhouse crop production by enhancing plant growth.

  
  

• Manufacturing & Industry: Required in welding, water treatment, and various industrial processes.

  
  

Without a stable CO₂ supply, these industries face higher costs, reduced efficiency, and potential shortages of key products.

The CF Fertilisers Closure a Major Blow to UK CO₂ Supply

What Happened?

In June 2022, CF Fertilisers announced the permanent closure of its Ince manufacturing facility near Chester, which had been a major domestic producer of industrial CO₂. The plant was capable of producing 1 million tonnes of fertiliser annually, with CO₂ being a key byproduct of its ammonia production.

Why Did the Plant Close?

• Soaring energy costs – The plant halted ammonia production in 2021 due to record-high gas prices, making operations unsustainable.

  
  

• Long-term economic challenges – CF Fertilisers struggled to maintain profitability under changing market conditions.

  
  

• CO₂ supply chain disruption – The closure significantly reduced the UK’s domestic CO₂ production, forcing businesses to rely on expensive imports.

  
  

The Impact on UK Businesses

• Food producers warned of supply chain risks – CO₂ shortages affected food processing, packaging, and drink manufacturing. (Food Navigator)

  
  

• Increased costs for industries – Businesses were forced to import CO₂ at higher prices, straining budgets.

  
  

• More reliance on international suppliers – With limited UK production, industries became more vulnerable to global supply chain fluctuations.

  
  

The CF Fertilisers closure exposed the fragility of the UK’s CO₂ supply chain and underscored the urgent need for domestic, sustainable solutions.

Aventurine Climate’s Solution: Integrated Energy + Carbon Capture Technology

At Aventurine Climate, we understand that securing a stable CO₂ supply requires more than finding new sources. It demands long-term, sustainable systems that both reduce emissions and strengthen industrial resilience.

How Our Technology Addresses the CO₂ Challenge

• Reliable Energy ProductionOur Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems generate efficient, dispatchable energy that supports grid stability and reduces dependence on imported fuels.

  
  

• Carbon Capture & Utilisation (CCU)Instead of releasing CO₂ into the atmosphere, our technology captures, liquefies, and repurposes it for use across food, beverage, and industrial sectors, ensuring a consistent domestic supply.

  
  

• Industrial ResilienceBy integrating energy generation with carbon capture, our projects enhance national self-sufficiency and reduce exposure to volatile global CO₂ markets.

  
  

Key Benefits

• Delivers a stable and reliable CO₂ supply for UK industries

• Supports Net Zero by capturing and reusing emissions

• Strengthens domestic supply chains through local production

• Provides sustainable, on-demand energy to the national grid

The Role of Carbon Capture in the UK’s Industrial Future

The UK has committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050, and Carbon Capture & Utilisation (CCU) technologies will be essential in reaching this goal.

Why CCU is a Game-Changer for Industry

• Reduces emissions – Captures CO₂ before it reaches the atmosphere, preventing pollution.

  
  

• Enhances industrial efficiency – Repurposes CO₂ for useful applications instead of treating it as waste.

  
  

• Economic stability – Helps reduce dependency on imported CO₂, making supply chains more resilient.

  
  

The Future of CCU in the UK

• Industry leaders see carbon capture as a critical part of future energy strategies, but scaling up investment and infrastructure remains a challenge. (Financial Times)

  
  

Building a More Resilient CO₂ Supply Chain

The closure of CF Fertilisers' Ince plant exposed the fragility of the UK’s CO₂ supply chain, affecting industries from food and healthcare to manufacturing and energy.

Without reliable domestic production, UK businesses face:

• Higher costs

  
  

• Supply chain disruptions

  
  

• Increased reliance on imports

  
  

Aventurine Climate’s Energy + CCU Technology: A Game-Changing Solution

• Secures the UK’s CO₂ supply through carbon capture.

  
  

• Supports the transition to Net Zero by reducing emissions.

  
  

• Provides sustainable energy for the UK grid.

  
  

The time to secure the UK’s CO₂ supply is now.