Carbon Capture and Storage: construction
The Peak Cluster is a pioneering partnership designed to capture, transport, and permanently store carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from the cement and lime industry in Derbyshire and Staffordshire, along with neighbouring operations in Cheshire.
The 198 kilometer carbon dioxide pipe will head from Derbyshire through to the top of the Wirral and will have five above ground installations.
Why is the Peak Cluster needed?
The cement and lime produced in Derbyshire and Staffordshire equates to 40% of the UKs stone and lime production.
It is estimated that the carbon dioxide produced from this process equates to 25% of the amount produced in the Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
The proposal of the “carbon capture” project is the only way of these companies meeting net zero.
What approach will be taken to build the infrastructure required to capture CO₂ emissions at each site?
The carbon capture infrastructure will be tailored to suit each industrial site. The design of each plant will depend on the chosen technology, the volume of CO₂ to be captured, the available space and utilities, and a range of technical and environmental considerations. Further details will be shared once site assessments have been completed and the necessary information is available.
Where possible, construction will take place on brownfield land within the footprint of existing industrial sites. Building each capture plant is expected to take approximately three years, though this timeline will be confirmed as engineering and contracting plans progress. Upgrades to electricity and gas connections may also be required at certain locations.
During construction, traffic levels will inevitably increase. To minimize disruption, detailed traffic management plans will be developed in consultation with the relevant local authorities. Once operational, the capture plants are anticipated to generate minimal additional traffic
What methods will be used to build the pipeline that transports CO₂?
As the pipeline route is developed, the will be a priority to avoid urban areas and sensitive habitats, while minimising environmental impacts. Careful planning will also ensure safe crossings of features such as roads, rivers, and railways, and the pipeline will not pass through private homes or gardens.
Constructing a CO₂ pipeline follows similar principles to building a gas or other utility pipeline. For much of the route, they will use the open trench method: excavating trenches, laying the pipeline within them, and then backfilling with the original soil. The pipeline is expected to have a maximum diameter of approximately 36 inches (91 cm), and installation will require a working corridor of around 30 metres. This corridor provides sufficient space for construction activities, temporary soil storage, and movement of vehicles and equipment.
In areas where open trenching is not suitable, trenchless techniques such as horizontal directional drilling (HDD) will be employed. These methods allow the pipeline to be installed beneath rivers, major roads, and environmentally sensitive areas without disturbing the surface.
To support construction, access routes will be established for personnel and machinery, along with compounds at strategic locations.
These compounds will accommodate material preparation, equipment storage, welfare facilities, and construction management offices. Larger compounds will remain in place for the duration of works in each area, while temporary compounds of approximately 50 m x 50 m will be required for several months where trenchless techniques are used. Smaller compounds, around 35 m x 35 m, will be needed for the construction of permanent above-ground infrastructure.
Timescales
Land Interest Questionnaires (LIQ) have been issued in mid November 2025. These documents are sent out to ascertain the ownership and occupation of the land. The LIQs have been sent along a 300 meter wide corridor.
A non intrusive (birds, bats and ecology) licence for surveys and intrusive (boreholes and trial pits) licence are expected to posted out in late November with surveys due to start in Spring 2026.
The physical construction of the scheme is scheduled for 2030 and completion 2032. (We would take this with a pinch of salt)
Does Peak Cluster have Compulsory Purchase Powers?
Not yet
The Peak Cluster is a collaboration of the stone and lime quarry’s in Derbyshire. Officially they are not a “Statutory Undertaker” such as National Grid or United Utilities and therefore do not have the same powers.
The Peak Cluster will be looking acquire Compulsory Purchase Powers via a Development Consent Order (DCO). This would eventually give them the powers to lay the proposed carbon dioxide pipeline.
However they do have Powers under the Housing and Planning Act (section 172 to undertake surveys), given the timescales involved, they could use these powers to undertake the surveys.
To learn a bit more check out the website article below.
Advice
The DCO process is not quick nor is it particularly enjoyable when being on the receiving end of it, however having local expert advice can make a very big difference.
This proposed scheme is incredibly local to Tom and Carys who are here to help land owners and occupiers potentially impacted by the scheme.
01829 423183