The British Geological Survey leads a two-year project to assess the UK’s underground capacity for hydrogen and carbon dioxide storage, pivotal for the country’s net zero ambitions and industrial decarbonisation strategies.
The British Geological Survey (BGS) has been awarded funding to lead a pivotal two-year research project aimed at thoroughly assessing the United Kingdom’s subsurface storage potential for hydrogen and carbon dioxide, critical components in the nation’s decarbonisation strategy. The initiative, titled ‘Maximising the UK geological storage resource,’ involves collaboration with the Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC), Heriot-Watt University, and The University of Manchester. According to the BGS, the project’s findings will be instrumental in guiding investment decisions and shaping policies, thereby optimising the use of the UK’s underground resources to meet the country’s ambitious net zero targets.
Building on prior investigations under the IDRIC research programme, the project targets enhanced regional understanding of geological storage opportunities. This includes the delivery of bespoke information to key regional industrial clusters and stakeholders, fostering cross-sector dialogue and collaboration. Notably, the research will provide a UK hydrogen storage briefing to support coherent policy formulation and increase knowledge of carbon dioxide (CO2) storage prospects, particularly in the UK Central North Sea frontier area known for extensive strata with multiple potential storage sites. Additionally, the project will focus on identifying and advising on specific risks associated with hydrogen storage by working closely with operators and regulators, supported by advanced modelling and experimental data.
The funding, provided by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, a part of UK Research and Innovation sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, marks a significant endorsement of research integral to the UK’s broader industrial decarbonisation agenda. BGS principal geologist Maxine Akhurst emphasised their commitment to leveraging stakeholder engagement to unlock the UK’s subterranean assets for both climate objectives and economic growth. IDRIC director Mercedes Maroto-Valer highlighted the continuation and deepening of collaborative efforts that aim to accelerate the transformation of the UK’s industrial heartlands toward a low-carbon future.
This research initiative arrives amid substantial government commitments to carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS) infrastructure. Recent government announcements underscore a £21.7 billion funding package spread over 25 years to catalyse the deployment of large-scale CCUS projects, underpinning the UK’s strategy to reduce emissions from industrial sectors and power generation. Notably, contracts have been signed for the pioneering CCUS projects in Teesside and Merseyside, with construction expected to begin mid-2025. The East Coast Cluster, encompassing the Net Zero Teesside Power station, is poised to deliver low-carbon energy to power approximately one million homes by 2028, a landmark in the UK’s clean energy transition.
Further developments include Eni’s commitment to the Liverpool Bay CCS project, part of the HyNet CCS cluster, which aims to capture industrial CO2 emissions and safely store them beneath the seabed, driving job creation and private investment. Other UK projects, such as the Acorn and Viking initiatives, are set to significantly reduce CO2 emissions by removing millions of tonnes from the atmosphere annually. These efforts collectively form the backbone of the UK’s vision to become a global clean energy superpower while safeguarding its industrial future through extensive decarbonisation.
Government sources emphasise that geological storage research, such as the work being undertaken by BGS and partners, is central to reducing risks and uncertainties associated with CCUS and hydrogen storage. This research supports regulatory frameworks and industry confidence, which are essential for the successful scaling of these technologies. As the UK moves forward with ambitious decarbonisation targets and industrial transformation, this comprehensive approach to subsurface resource management exemplifies the integration of science, policy, and industrial innovation required to achieve net zero emissions and sustainable economic growth.
- https://www.geplus.co.uk/news/funding-awarded-for-bgs-led-research-into-uk-geological-storage-21-11-2025/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.bgs.ac.uk/news/new-funding-awarded-for-uk-geological-storage-research/ – The British Geological Survey (BGS) has secured funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for a two-year project titled ‘Maximising the UK geological storage resource’ (MaxStoreUK). This initiative, in collaboration with the Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC), Heriot-Watt University, and The University of Manchester, aims to assess the UK’s subsurface storage potential for hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The findings are expected to inform investment decisions and policy development, contributing to the UK’s net-zero targets by 2030. The project will build upon previous research in subsurface hydrogen and carbon storage conducted under the IDRIC programme.
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/contracts-signed-for-uks-first-carbon-capture-projects-in-teesside – The UK government has signed contracts for the first carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS) projects in Teesside, marking a significant step in the country’s clean industry. The East Coast Cluster in Teesside is set to start construction in mid-2025, with the Net Zero Teesside Power station aiming to deliver low-carbon energy capable of powering up to one million homes from 2028. This investment is part of the government’s £21.7 billion funding commitment to support the UK’s vision for CCUS and drive economic growth in the region.
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-carbon-capture-project-to-deliver-jobs-and-growth – Eni has finalised a major deal with the UK government to develop the Liverpool Bay Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project, spanning North Wales and the North West of England. This project is part of the HyNet CCS Cluster and aims to transport captured CO₂ from industrial sites and store it deep beneath the seabed. The initiative is expected to support 2,000 jobs and attract billions in private investment, contributing to the UK’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/funding-secured-for-britains-industrial-future – The UK government has secured funding to launch the country’s first carbon capture sites, aiming to bring thousands of new skilled jobs and support the acceleration towards net-zero emissions. Projects like Acorn and Viking are set to remove up to 18 million tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere per year. These initiatives are part of the government’s broader strategy to develop a clean energy superpower and safeguard Britain’s industrial manufacturing future.
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-reignites-industrial-heartlands-10-days-out-from-the-international-investment-summit – The UK government has confirmed funding to launch the country’s first carbon capture sites, marking a new era for the clean energy industry. The HyNet and East Coast Cluster projects in Teesside and Merseyside aim to capture CO₂ emissions before they reach the atmosphere and store them safely, contributing to the UK’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
- https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-carbon-capture-usage-and-storage-ccus – The UK government recognises the pivotal role of Carbon Capture, Usage, and Storage (CCUS) in achieving its climate goals and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The government has committed to supporting the development and deployment of CCUS technologies through structured programmes and substantial investments, including £21.7 billion over 25 years for the first CCUS projects in the UK.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative was published on 21 November 2025, aligning with the British Geological Survey’s announcement of the ‘Maximising the UK geological storage resource’ project on the same date. ([bgs.ac.uk](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/news/new-funding-awarded-for-uk-geological-storage-research/?utm_source=openai)) No earlier versions or recycled content were identified. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Dr Maxine Akhurst and Prof Mercedes Maroto-Valer are unique to this narrative, with no earlier matches found online. This suggests potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from the British Geological Survey, a reputable government organisation responsible for advancing geoscientific knowledge in the UK. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Geological_Survey?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims regarding the funding and objectives of the ‘Maximising the UK geological storage resource’ project are consistent with the British Geological Survey’s official announcement. ([bgs.ac.uk](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/news/new-funding-awarded-for-uk-geological-storage-research/?utm_source=openai)) The narrative includes specific details such as the project’s duration, collaborators, and objectives, which are corroborated by the source.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, originating from a reputable source, and presents plausible claims supported by specific details. No signs of recycled content, disinformation, or inconsistencies were identified.
