Carbon Capture and Storage and Incinerators

(asked on 10th April 2026) - View Source

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the Government is taking steps to implement the recommendations of the Whitehead Review, including formally recognising WECCS (waste-energy carbon capture and storage) as a greenhouse-gas removal route.


Answered by
Michael Shanks Portrait
Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
This question was answered on 20th April 2026

Even with our policies for greater waste prevention, reuse and a significant municipal waste recycling rate, there will still be a need to manage residual waste.

Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities are a better option than landfill or incineration without energy recovery. They will remain a key part of our waste system.

The residential waste sector has a high percentage of biogenic CO2, which if captured have the potential to create greenhouse gas removals.

Carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) is essential to cut emissions from waste facilities. It is currently the only net zero compliant technology for many types of plants in the residual waste management system.

The government has welcomed the Independent GGR Review, is considering the recommendations and will respond in due course.

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