UK CO₂ Supply: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions has become a critical issue affecting multiple industries, requiring urgent and innovative solutions.
The UK’s carbon dioxide (CO₂) supply chain has faced severe disruption in recent years, raising concerns across industries that rely on a stable CO₂ supply. One of the biggest blows came in June 2022, when CF Fertilisers closed its Ince manufacturing plant, a major domestic supplier of industrial CO₂. This closure exacerbated existing supply chain issues, leaving businesses vulnerable to price volatility, shortages, and production slowdowns.
With limited domestic production, the UK has become increasingly dependent on imported CO₂, making supply chains more fragile and unpredictable. These challenges have highlighted an urgent need for sustainable, domestic CO₂ solutions.
At Aventurine Climate, we are addressing this issue through our Leeds Energy + Carbon Capture & Utilisation (CCU) Project a groundbreaking initiative designed to secure a stable CO₂ supply while supporting industrial decarbonisation.
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 The Leeds Energy + CCU Project
At Aventurine Climate, we recognise that securing a stable CO₂ supply requires more than simply identifying new sources; it demands a long-term, sustainable solution that also reduces emissions.
How Our Leeds Project Addresses the CO₂ Crisis
Reliable Energy Production
The Leeds Energy + CCU Project integrates Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technology to generate dispatchable energy for the UK grid, improving energy security.
Carbon Capture & Utilisation (CCU)
Instead of allowing CO₂ emissions to escape into the atmosphere, we capture, liquefy, and repurpose CO₂ for industrial use, supporting businesses that rely on a stable supply.
Strengthening the UK’s Industrial Resilience
By combining energy generation with carbon capture, we provide a secure domestic CO₂ supply, reducing reliance on imported CO₂ and volatile global markets.
Key Benefits of the Leeds Project
Ensures a stable, reliable CO₂ supply for UK businesses.
Supports Net Zero by capturing and repurposing CO₂.
Reduces reliance on imports, strengthening domestic supply chains.
Provides sustainable, dispatchable 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)
At Aventurine Climate, we believe that projects like our Leeds Energy + CCU facility will prove that carbon capture is a vital part of securing the UK’s industrial future.
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
The Leeds Energy + CCU Project is 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.
Visit our project page: https://www.aventurineclimate.co.uk/projectsSecuring the UK’s CO₂ Supply: The Challenges, Solutions & Future of Carbon Capture