Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what comparative assessment he has made of the international competitiveness of (a) the UK and (b) countries that deploy carbon capture at scale in low-carbon cement production.

Carbon capture, usage and storage is integral to decarbonising the cement sector’s production of clinker and making the sector competitive in a net zero economy.

Government has signed the UK’s first industrial carbon capture contracts with Heidelberg Materials UK’s Padeswood cement works, showing our commitment in this regard. In addition, the National Wealth Fund has made a £28.6 million equity investment in Peak Cluster.

Furthermore, DESNZ in partnership with Innovate UK is supporting the Advance Market Commitment (AMC) for next-generation low-carbon concrete. This initiative aims to accelerate the scale up and adoption of low carbon concrete solutions through creating a guaranteed market for these products. Industry supporters who have made commitments include Scottish Water, Ramboll, Derwent London, Atkins Realis UK, and Heathrow.