Commissioning of the Offshore Douglas CCS Facility
On October 10, Eni successfully deployed the Douglas CCS offshore platform in Liverpool Bay, part of the Irish Sea. This facility is designed to capture and securely store carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources by injecting them into depleted gas reservoirs. The project is a key component of the Liverpool Bay CCS initiative, managed by Eni CCUS Holding, aiming to reduce carbon emissions in the region by repurposing existing subsea pipelines originally used for natural gas transport.
Engineering Details and Economic Impact
The Douglas CCS platform was constructed in under 18 months following contract finalization. It features upper modules weighing approximately 1,885 tonnes, a supporting structure of 1,755 tonnes, and eight seabed piles weighing a total of 730 tonnes. The initial phase targets the storage of 109 million tons of CO2 over its operational lifespan, with an annual capture capacity of 4.5 million tons. Post-2030, this capacity is expected to double to 10 million tons per year.
The Liverpool Bay CCS project is carried out by Eni CCUS Holding, a joint venture between the Italian energy company Eni and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), part of BlackRock’s group. Around 60% of the platform’s construction investment went to UK suppliers, supporting over 2,000 jobs. The project is projected to create up to 300 permanent positions over more than 25 years of operation. The platform will be integrated with the UK’s HyNet cluster, a regional initiative focused on cutting industrial emissions across northwest England and northern Wales.
“Douglas CCS represents the world’s first offshore platform purpose-built for carbon capture and storage (CCS) to decarbonize industry,” Eni stated.
Eni continues to expand its CO2 transport and storage network as part of this initiative, aiming to facilitate widespread industrial decarbonization. This milestone marks a significant advancement toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector, aligning with global climate action goals.
The Liverpool Bay CCS project serves as a pioneering example for regions worldwide seeking to implement carbon capture technologies. Additionally, the involvement of local suppliers and workforce development highlights the broader economic benefits of investing in green infrastructure.