A local waste management company is proposing to build a carbon capture development partially on Crossness Nature Reserve in Belvedere.

The waste management company Cory is urging residents to participate in its consultation regarding the proposed carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at its energy from waste (EfW) facilities.

The consultation period finishes on November 29 and hopes to provide an opportunity for community members to gain insight into the project, pose questions, and share their perspectives with Cory.

The development is proposed to be located on Cory’s existing site and nearby development land - but also on a section of the neighbouring Crossness Nature Reserve.

Cory's initiative aims to implement technology to capture carbon dioxide emissions from both its existing and upcoming EfW facilities.

Cory’s facts and questions page about the proposal explains: “Our plans include consideration of an option of building on the paddock at the northernmost point of Crossness Nature Reserve, land adjoining the EfW facilities.

“However, if this option is selected, we will seek to minimise this impact as much as possible, including working with Friends of Crossness Nature Reserve to find an appropriate solution.

“In any event, Cory will be undertaking a robust optioneering process to determine the appropriate location for the CCS facilities.

“The system for developing nationally important infrastructure (such as this project) has guidelines for ensuring the impacts of developments on biodiversity are identified so that they can be appropriately mitigated and compensated if required.

“This can take place at the site of the development, or at a different location.”

The company claims that it is collaborating with key stakeholders, including Friends of Crossness Nature Reserve, Thames Water, and Peabody, to explore ways the project can contribute to enhancing green spaces in the local area.

Friends of Crossness Nature Reserve wrote on their campaign site: “The Save Crossness Nature Reserve campaign group whole-heartedly object to Cory's carbon mitigation strategy if it means losing any land at the nature reserve - one of only four Local Nature Reserves (LNR) in Bexley.

“Wildlife sees no boundaries. Cory's suggested mitigation plan is a deception - Thamesmead Golf Course and the Peabody owned land are already wonderful areas for nature and cannot compensate for taking and building on Crossness Nature Reserve.

“We are not opposed to Cory cleaning up their act, but want them to find another location, preferably on existing industrial land.”

Cory claims that it will carefully consider all input, along with findings from ongoing technical and environmental studies, as it refines plans for submission of a Development Consent Order (DCO) in early 2024.

During the consultation phase, engagement with various community, technical, and political stakeholders, including local residents and the London Borough of Bexley, will take place.

However, the ultimate determination of the application will rest with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

CCS is a process designed to capture carbon dioxide emissions from energy generation sources such as power plants, EfW facilities, and industrial emission sources.

The captured CO2 is then transported and stored, preventing its re-entry into the atmosphere.

To capture CO2 emissions from existing and in-development EfW facilities, Cory will install new CCS technology and infrastructure in the areas that it is proposing.

This technology will divert emissions, separate CO2 from other gases, compress and liquefy the captured CO2 on site, and then transport it by ship to storage sites under the North Sea.

Addressing concerns about safety, Cory emphasizes that carbon capture is a well-established process with successful examples globally, regulated by the Environment Agency.

Richard Wilkinson, Project Director at Cory, said: “We’ve already received an encouraging amount of feedback but anybody who hasn’t yet shared their views with us still has the opportunity to do so.

“Our project will contribute to the UK’s net zero targets by delivering negative carbon emissions and will also enable Cory to achieve its goal of reaching net zero by 2040.

“We will use the feedback as we continue to refine the project and intend to submit our application for a DCO to the Planning Inspectorate in early 2024.”

Feedback and comments on the proposals are able to be submitted via email, post, or the company's website.

Telephone: 0330 838 425

Email: decarbonisation@corygroup.co.uk

Post: FREEPOST CORY CCS Online: corydecarbonisation.co.uk