A new map shows where parts of the Wirral could be dug up to make way for a major new project to store carbon dioxide under the Irish Sea. Those behind the project said it would help protect jobs and tackle climate change.

On January 12, people were asked for feedback on plans called the Peak Cluster project which will run to February 27. The project brings together four cement and lime producers in Derbyshire and Staffordshire including Holcim, Tarmac, Breedon, and Buxton Lime.

These producers are planning to develop carbon capture facilities at their sites, which will take carbon dioxide from production, transport it, and store it underground. These emissions will be taken by a pipe which will take the gas through Cheshire and Wirral before going out to sea.

A map shows where a new pipeline and new carbon capture facility could go, though the actual area affected will be much smaller than the boundary shown here | Peak Cluster Ltd/LDRS

placeholder image — A map shows where a new pipeline and new carbon capture facility could go, though the actual area affected will be much smaller than the boundary shown here | Peak Cluster Ltd/LDRS

A document prepared as part of the consultation said: “Peak Cluster is helping to secure the future of40% of Britain’s cement and lime production industry, anchored in Derbyshire and Staffordshire. The project will help to protect existing jobs, and create new roles, while ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply of essential building materials for hospitals, homes, railways, and roads.

“It will also deliver a home-grown source of low-carbon lime – vital for purifying our drinking water and maintaining healthy soils for grazing livestock and growing crops.”

The document said the cement and lime industry, unlike others, is unable to avoid producing carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes towards climate change, adding: “Peak Cluster will play an essential role in enabling the cement and lime industry in Derbyshire and Staffordshire to transition to the low carbon economy, by hugely reducing the environmental impact of existing manufacturing processes.”

At the moment, the group is gathering views on the plans ahead of an initial application to the Planning Inspectorate. If accepted, this plan will then be open to examination before a final decision is made.

The pipeline for the project will be around 200km and once it has been built, the land above will be restored to its original condition. An initial project boundary has been outlined where the pipe will likely be built but the exact location has not been decided.

Before any carbon dioxide is stored under the East Irish seabed, it needs to be compressed. At the moment an onshore facility is being considered on the Wirral with the area to the south of Meols identified as the likeliest location for this.

The pipe would then run from this facility between Moreton and Meols before going under the seabed. Between Meols and Willaston, the pipe is expected to be installed between Greasby and Frankby down to Irby before turning east towards Arrowe Park.

From Thingwall, the pipe would run to the east side of the Borderlands railway line between Barnston and Storeton. It will then head southeast past Brimstage, Thornton Hough, and Raby.

Though the map gives an indication of where the pipe could go, the area affected is expected to be much smaller than what is outlined. Carbon dioxide may also be transported offshore by one or two pipelines.

Block valve stations will be installed along the route which the Peak Cluster document said “will enable us to isolate specific pipeline sections to ensuresafety when carrying out maintenance or to prevent danger in the unlikely event of an emergency.” The firm said early detection systems and constant monitoring will take place for potential faults.

The carbon dioxide will be sorted Morecambe Net Zero, a project under development by Spirit Energy. This will see the conversion of the depleted South and North Morecambe gas fields for carbon storage and would be capable of storing 1bn tonnes of carbon dioxide.