A major initiative to help decarbonise the South West of England, the Midlands and West Wales has been launched.

Scottish energy advisory consultancy Apollo has been selected to conduct three studies for the UK’s carbon capture and shipping hub 7CO2, which is based in Avonmouth and provides a pathway for the permanent storage of post-combustion captured CO2.

It is hoped the proposals will attract up to £1.3bn of inward investment to the Bristol region and over £4bn to the broader areas.

Funded by 7CO2 and the UK Innovate Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan (LIDP) grant, Apollo’s studies will focus on rail, land, and power options, contributing to the comprehensive West of England LIDP report.

The studies will assess the feasibility of transporting CO2 by train from regional emitters and identify and evaluate land for industrial decarbonisation projects, such as clean power, hydrogen production, and sustainable aviation fuel.

Cost-effective power supply options, such as renewable generation and small modular nuclear reactors, will also be explored.

“Apollo brings 7CO2 the additional breadth and depth of expertise required for a project of this size and complexity,” said Keith Birch, 7CO2’s technical director.

Apollo said its approach to the studies would provide a “solid foundation” for the 7CO2 hub, driving regional decarbonisation efforts and setting a precedent for future carbon capture projects in the UK.

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“We’re excited to collaborate on this innovative project, which will have a significant impact on regional decarbonisation efforts and the UK’s climate goals,” said Phil Westmorland, Apollo’s decarbonisation director.

There are a number of partners and stakeholders involved in the project including Suez, Viridor, SSE, EDF, Network Rail, National Grid, GB Rail Freight, VTG, Bristol Port, Petrofac, Ameresco, Bristol City Council, Western Gateway, and Hydrogen South West.