Direct Air Capture (DAC) involves removing carbon dioxide from the air and storing it so that it cannot contribute to climate change. Some carbon dioxide (CO2) can also be ‘recycled’ for other purposes such as conversion into synthetic fuels.
Nuclear is regarded as the cheapest way of producing low-carbon energy which can be used for DAC processes. We could potentially use some of the low-carbon heat and electricity that our reactors produce to power a DAC facility linked to our site.
Sizewell C has partnered with the University of Birmingham, Atkins Realis, Altrad Babcock and Helical Energy to design and build a demonstrator DAC plant capable of extracting 100 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere each year.
All engineering, design, construction and testing activities for the pilot will be carried out in the UK to develop British DAC technology.
The demonstrator DAC unit is being constructed at the Port of Lowestoft. A full-scale DAC system linked to Sizewell C could utilise low-carbon heat from the power plant.
Mohammed is an Energy Analyst working on the Direct Air Capture project at Sizewell C – an innovative initiative focused on removing carbon directly from the atmosphere.
Nuclear power not only provides reliable, low-carbon energy for the UK, but also drives innovation in technologies that help build a more sustainable future.
Mohammed’s work is a prime example of how Sizewell C is leading the way in energy innovation, tackling climate change, and shaping a better tomorrow.
Sizewell C has partnered with University of Birmingham, AtkinsRealis, Altrad Babcock and Helical Energy to form the DAC consortium.
Together, we were awarded £3 million by the Government in March 2023 to construct a demonstrator DAC unit capable of extracting 100 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere each year. We also signed an agreement with Associated British Ports to locate the DAC demonstrator plant at the Port of Lowestoft.
All engineering, design, construction and testing activities for the pilot will be carried out in the UK to develop British DAC technology.
Sizewell C is already set to be one of the biggest Net Zero projects in the UK. Linking it to other low-carbon technologies can bring even more flexibility and value to the energy system. Our plans could support the local economy and stimulate a low-carbon hydrogen and direct air capture market in the East of England.
Once operational, Sizewell C could produce hydrogen for a variety of uses including:
