Plans for a major £200 million carbon capture project at a Welsh energy-from-waste facility have taken a significant step forward, with a formal planning application now submitted to local authorities.
Major Investment in Green Technology
Enfinium, the operator of the Parc Adfer facility in Deeside, has lodged its application with Flintshire County Council for the substantial investment that would transform the plant's environmental impact. The project, which was first announced in April 2024, represents one of Wales' most significant green infrastructure developments.
The Parc Adfer plant, which opened in 2019 through a partnership with the five local authorities comprising the North Wales Residual Waste Treatment Partnership, currently processes up to 232,000 tonnes of unrecyclable waste annually, preventing this material from ending up in landfill sites.
Government Backing and Technical Details
The carbon capture initiative has recently received a significant boost, being shortlisted by the UK Government as a standby project for grant support. This funding would facilitate connection to the HyNet North West carbon capture network, which is currently under construction in the region.
Under the proposed system, carbon dioxide emissions captured at the Deeside facility would be transported safely for permanent storage in depleted gas reservoirs, effectively removing them from the atmosphere permanently.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Mike Maudsley, chief executive officer of Enfinium, emphasised the project's importance: "This is another important step in making carbon capture at Parc Adfer a reality. I would like to thank all those who joined us at our recent in-person and online events to share their comments and feedback on the project."
He added: "Using carbon capture technology, Parc Adfer would be the largest carbon removals project in Wales, helping to decarbonise North Wales' unrecyclable waste while supporting economic growth, skills and employment in the local economy."
The planning application follows a comprehensive public consultation process and is expected to receive a decision from Flintshire County Council early next year. If approved, the project would mark a significant advancement in Wales' efforts to combat climate change while supporting local economic development through the creation of skilled jobs and technological innovation in the green energy sector.
