Thousands of new carbon capture jobs are being created across Wales and North West England as the UK ramps up investment in clean energy and climate solutions.
The UK’s carbon capture industry has received a major boost as the HyNet cluster, a leading carbon capture and storage (CCS) hub in the North West, continues to grow.
With government backing and industry partnerships in place, the initiative is now entering a new phase, bringing a surge in carbon capture jobs to regions like Cheshire and Flintshire.
Following the Prime Minister’s approval of the Liverpool Bay Transportation & Storage network in April, two additional clean energy projects are now in active negotiations to join the HyNet site.
Together, they are expected to create 2,800 skilled carbon capture jobs, including engineering, construction, and technical roles.
Commenting on the development, Industry Minister Sarah Jones said: “We are securing the jobs of the future, the power for our homes and the protection of our planet by becoming world leaders on carbon capture and storage.
“These new projects will bring industrial renewal, unlock growth and secure an additional 800 good, skilled jobs for local people across North Wales and the North West – taking the total supported by HyNet to 2,800.”
Flagship projects to power homes and cut emissions
The first project, Connah’s Quay Low Carbon Power in North Wales, will generate enough low-carbon energy to power 900,000 homes while capturing harmful CO₂ emissions.
The second, Ince Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (InBECCS), located in Cheshire, will convert waste wood into energy while removing greenhouse gases – making it the UK’s first negative emissions project with CCS.
These projects are not only driving down emissions but also laying the groundwork for long-term careers in carbon capture and the wider clean energy economy.
Thousands more carbon capture jobs on the horizon
The HyNet cluster is part of the UK Government’s wider £21.7bn commitment to the carbon capture sector, with £9.4bn already allocated this parliament.
As CCS technology scales, it is expected to support up to 50,000 carbon capture jobs by the 2030s, helping decarbonise heavy industry and positioning the UK as a global clean energy leader.
Five additional projects – including hydrogen and direct air capture – are also being considered for future integration. This aligns with the government’s strategy to build a regional hydrogen economy and ensure energy security.
A key to net zero and economic growth
The rapid growth of carbon capture not only helps the UK meet its net zero goals, but it’s also driving long-term economic development in regions like the North West and Wales.
As heavy industry begins to decarbonise, projects like HyNet are creating a new wave of skilled employment in engineering, construction, operations, and emerging clean technologies.
Carbon capture jobs are preserving existing industrial skills while opening up new, high-quality career paths in the green economy. From technicians to project managers, the sector offers diverse opportunities for workers across the country.
