Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Head of CCUS on Carbon Capture Criticism

Why It Matters

The stance underscores that mature CCUS technology can unlock decarbonisation of hard‑to‑abate sectors, influencing policy funding and accelerating the UK’s net‑zero timeline.

Key Takeaways

• Mitsubishi claims CCUS tech proven in 18 plants worldwide.
• Largest US plant captures about 5,000 tonnes CO₂ daily.
• KS‑21 solvent improves thermodynamics, cuts plant capex and opex.
• HyNet cluster aims to capture 800,000 tonnes CO₂ per year.
• Picken says delaying CCUS doubles future removal costs.

Pulse Analysis

Carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) has become a cornerstone of the UK’s net‑zero strategy, yet it faces scepticism from policymakers who label the technology high‑risk. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries counters this narrative by showcasing a portfolio of 18 operational plants across the globe, including a flagship U.S. facility that sequesters roughly 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ each day. By emphasizing proven capture, transport, and storage chains—such as long‑running CO₂ storage in the North Sea—Mitsubishi positions CCUS as a ready‑now solution rather than a speculative future technology.

Technical evolution is central to Mitsubishi’s confidence. The company recently introduced the KS‑21 solvent, a second‑generation capture fluid offering superior thermodynamic performance and reduced corrosion, which translates into lower capital expenditures (capex) and operating expenses (opex). Complementary innovations, like large‑scale heat pumps from its Turboden subsidiary, reclaim waste heat to improve overall plant efficiency—a development Picken describes as the "Holy Grail" of parasitic load reduction. While technology risk is largely mitigated, Mitsubishi acknowledges construction risk, urging early, collaborative engagement among developers, regulators, and financiers to ensure project success.

On the ground, the UK is witnessing tangible progress. The HyNet cluster’s Heidelberg cement plant in Padeswood is set to become the world’s first fully decarbonised cement facility, targeting 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ capture annually. Parallel projects, such as the Ince waste‑to‑energy plant, illustrate a growing pipeline that could become self‑sustaining by the mid‑2030s. Picken warns that postponing CCUS deployment doubles future removal costs, reinforcing the sector’s urgency. As the Climate Change Committee and International Energy Agency endorse CCUS as indispensable for hard‑to‑abate industries, policy support and demonstrated project performance will be pivotal in scaling the market.