RSK has successfully supported Heidelberg Materials UK in achieving planning permission for the company’s Padeswood carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in North Wales – the first carbon capture enabled cement works in the UK – representing a groundbreaking project for the cement industry.
Heidelberg Materials UK Chief Executive Officer Simon Willis said: “This is fantastic news and a brings our plans to create the UK’s first net zero cement works a step closer. Planning permission was received from the Welsh Government on 4 April 2025 – five months ahead of schedule.
Padeswood carbon capture and storage project, which will connect to the HyNet North West project, aims to be the first net zero cement facility in the UK and a global exemplar for the deployment of carbon capture technology at an existing cement works site. Once operational, it will capture and store approximately 800 000 tpy of CO2, capturing up to 95% of CO2 emissions from the existing Padeswood cement kiln.
RSK Environment Principal Environmental Consultant Harry Cross said the project is the furthest advanced carbon capture project at an operational cement works in the UK by some distance.
He said: “We are proud to have achieved planning permission for this important and rewarding project that demonstrates the UK leading the way on deploying CCS in the cement industry.
“Our work here saw RSK Environment acting as environment, consents and permitting lead, including coordinating the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and project managing the development of national significance (DNS) application. We were also able to draw on the skills and experience of 12 additional RSK Group businesses, including Joanna Berlyn from Stephenson Halliday as planning lead and Copper Consultancy as communications lead for the programme of community engagement and consultation.”
It is estimated that the project will create up to 500 additional jobs during the construction phase and will also create around 50 direct, long-term operational employment opportunities. The project also proposes the creation of four new ponds, nine hibernacula and 17 refugia (places where amphibians can rest during the day and escape from predators and the sun and, in winter, where they will hibernate). It is envisaged that the planting of mixed deciduous woodland and the enhancement of grassland will cover an area of around 10.13 ha and will improve its value for great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) foraging and offer wider biodiversity benefits for other protected species.
Heidelberg Materials UK Chief Executive Officer Simon Willis said: “This is fantastic news and a brings our plans to create the UK’s first net zero cement works a step closer.
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