On the 6th March 2024 researchers from Newcastle University and SINTEF (Norway) contributed to a workshop hosted by North Norfolk District Council on the ‘Future Opportunities of the Bacton Energy Hub to support UK Energy Security and the Transition to Net Zero’.

The workshop focused on research undertaken by Stuart Dawley and Gareth Powells Newcastle University and the Centre for Urban and Region Development Studies (CURDS) , Will Eadson CRESR and Markus Steen SINTEF, as part of a 12 month pilot project ‘Pipeline or Hub? Harnessing critical energy infrastructure on the North Norfolk Coast’ funded by the iPACT research network. 


Following a review of the evolving UK policy landscape for Carbon Capture and Storage and Hydrogen, the workshop then considered developments in Norway and Europe, before exploring potential development trajectories for Bacton along with emerging policy considerations.

Professor Stuart Dawley presenting to North Norfolk District Council

Of the event, Steve Blatch, Chief Executive of NNDC said “The workshop served to significantly increase people’s levels of understanding of the existing operations at the Bacton site and its future potential role in the UK’s energy transition amidst the rapidly evolving landscape of CCS developments in the UK and Europe.”


The workshop, jointly hosted by the Leader of the Council and the authority’s Chief Executive, was attended by a range of policy and community stakeholders from across a range of levels, from national (DHLUC), county (Growth and Investment, Norfolk County Council), parliamentary constituency (Duncan Baker MP’s team), district council directorates (Economic Growth; Sustainable Growth; Place and Climate Changer);  and local councillors (e.g. Bacton).  

Information from this presentation will be used by the Council in adopting a clear position with respect to these energy opportunities moving forward.

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