A giant gas hub that once supplied 20% of our gas needs, is being repurposed as a carbon storage plant.
Spirit Energy’s Morecambe Hub is marking 40 years of gas production, having delivered more than 7 trillion cubic feet of gas—enough to power more than 5 million UK homes.
Now it is now gearing up for a new role as a carbon storage powerhouse.
Spirit Energy plans to transform its depleted fields into Morecambe Net Zero (MNZ), the UK’s largest permanent CO₂ storage site.
From 2030, the project could store 4 million tonnes of CO₂ annually—25% of the UK’s 2050 net zero storage target.
Through its MNZ | Peak Cluster partnership with the UK’s top cement and lime producers, the initiative could decarbonise 40% of the sector.
“Reaching 40 years of production is a tremendous milestone,” said Spirit Energy CEO Neil McCulloch. “The hub plays an important role in supporting UK energy security, economic growth and local employment opportunities and can continue to do so as we transform it for carbon storage.”
With an expected £1.8 billion economic boost by 2050, the project could create and safeguard 13,000 jobs while attracting £5 billion in investment.
Centrica CEO Chris O’Shea called the hub’s transformation “energy history evolving into energy future,” while Barrow MP Michelle Scrogham highlighted its role in securing clean energy and green jobs for the region.
