In Summer 2023, Energy Systems Catapult published the Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS) report (phase one) which presented a comprehensive whole-systems study of the role of DACCS in the UK’s transition to Net Zero. This work was commissioned by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

The phase one report highlighted the important role DACCS could play for meeting greenhouse gas (GHG) targets and the effects delaying roll-out might have on meeting Net Zero. The report also recommended further work in building datasets, devising a national strategy and thinking about the integration of direct air capture (DAC) with other systems and sectors such as power generation and heavy industry.

We have just completed a follow-on study (phase two) which considered a revised whole-systems modelling case and a more detailed approach to the siting of DACCS facilities focusing on the period 2030-2040. We modelled three scenarios based on the original Reference Case in phase one and applied detailed constraints related to DACCS siting during the 2030s.

Both the original and follow-on studies made use of Catapult’s in-house whole-systems modelling capabilities including use of our flagship whole energy system model, ESME (Energy Systems Modelling Environment) and sister-model, ESME Networks.

In this report, we present some of the findings from the phase two whole systems modelling done using ESME. For further detail on the context and assumptions used in the analysis please refer to the phase 1 report.