Pinsent Masons advises Heidelberg Materials UK on world’s first fully decarbonised cement production project

Named by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero as a ‘priority project’ to join the industry-leading HyNet North West cluster in August, once operational, the Padeswood CCS plant will have the capacity to capture around 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ a year from Heidelberg Materials’ existing cement works, making it the first fully decarbonised cement production process in the world. The captured CO₂ will then be transported via the HyNet North West underground pipeline for secure storage under the seabed in Liverpool Bay.

Pinsent Masons has advised Heidelberg Materials UK on many aspects of the project, including each step to negotiate, agree and sign the Industrial Carbon Capture (ICC) Contract, an ICC Grant Funding Agreement and the application of the CCS Network Code. The successful signing of the ICC Contract and GFA represent just the second instance of a commercial scale Carbon Capture Storage contract to be signed by the UK government.

Construction will begin this year, with commissioning planned for 2029 and the project will secure more than 200 jobs, creates around 50 new roles, and go on to support up to 500 jobs during the construction process. It also marks a decisive step forward in increasing the availability of evoZero, the world’s first carbon captured net-zero cement.

Commenting on the firm’s role in advising Heidelberg Materials UK, lead partner Stacey Collins said: “Working on this project - a true world first - has offered an opportunity to drive forward net-zero infrastructure development in real terms.”

“Cement continues to be in significant demand as governments around the world commission projects to develop infrastructure to unlock sustainable growth. To meet net zero commitments, carbon capture and storage (CCS) is not only essential for reducing CO2 emissions, but also the only commercially scalable path to decarbonising cement. That’s what makes Padeswood CCS such a pioneering project.”

On Pinsent Masons’ support, Heidelberg Materials’ Carbon Capture and Storage Director Gareth Price said: “Working with Stacey and the team was invaluable as we navigated through the complexities that came by virtue of this project being the first of its kind. Thanks to the huge efforts of the team, we’re that much closer to making this transformative project a reality and bringing jobs and growth to North Wales. Their expertise, knowledge and strong work-ethic is greatly appreciated.”