Global built environment consultancy Arup has been appointed by Peak Cluster to lead the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and prepare technical documentation for the Development Consent Order (DCO) for what will be the world’s largest cement and lime decarbonisation project.
Around 40% of the UK’s cement and lime is produced in Derbyshire and Staffordshire, employing more than 2,000 people. This sector currently emits over 3 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, representing 23% of the region’s total emissions. To address this, Peak Cluster will install carbon capture plants at major cement and lime production sites.
These plants will be linked by a proposed underground CO₂ pipeline, transporting captured emissions to the Spirit Energy Morecambe Net Zero (MNZ) storage site. This step will help decarbonise heavy industry while maintaining jobs and supporting regional economic growth.
Arup, supported by AECOM and Quod, will assess all potential environmental impacts, covering both the construction and operational phases of the project. The EIA will also examine how the onshore infrastructure connects with Spirit Energy’s offshore CO₂ storage facilities.
Richard Lowe, Director of Energy Consenting and Development at Arup, said:
“We are delighted to play a key role in this transformative project. Peak Cluster is securing a sustainable future for the UK’s cement and lime industry and setting a model for similar developments worldwide.”
John Egan, CEO of Peak Cluster Ltd, added:
“This project will help the industry thrive in a low carbon future, create jobs, strengthen the supply chain, and support the UK’s leadership in low carbon technologies.”
