Introduction

Point of Ayr (PoA) Terminal is a key strategic site within the Liverpool Bay carbon dioxide (CO2) Transportation and Storage (T&S) Project, which plays a vital role in supporting the UK’s net zero ambitions across north Wales and the north west of England.

As part of this transformation, two major workstreams are now underway:

• the Cable Route Foreshore Works, which involves laying a combined new electric and fibre-optic cable along the existing pipeline between the PoA Terminal and the Mean Low Water Spring (MLWS) line; and
• the Decommissioning and Site Preparation Works, which follow the cessation of oil and gas production, and focus on preparing the PoA Terminal and surrounding Colliery area for future CO₂ transportation and storage operations.

These developments will enable PoA to carry out a key role in safely transporting CO₂ for safe storage in the depleted gas fields beneath Liverpool Bay.

Cable route foreshore works

The PoA cable route foreshore works include the laying of a new combined electric and fibre-optic cable along the existing pipeline between the PoA Terminal and the MLWS line. This will connect the onshore grid at the PoA Terminal to the New Douglas Offshore Platform (OP) in Liverpool Bay, to supply the power and upgraded telecommunications needed to support the receipt and distribution of CO₂ to the storage sites.

The PoA Cable Route Foreshore Works Proposed Development is seeking re-authorisation for part of the same cable installation works already consented in May 2024 under application reference number: FUL/000246/23, but on a new alignment of the electrical and fibre-optic cable that is approximately 250m further east along Talacre Beach. The Planning Application for the Proposed Development was submitted in August 2025 to Flintshire County Council (FCC), following a period of statutory pre-application consultation from 16 June-14 July 2025.

The Planning Application is currently being determined by FCC’s planning officers, with a final decision to be made by its planning committee. We anticipate that FCC will announce its decision later in 2025 and, subject to the application being approved, construction will begin in spring 2026. To view or comment on the application directly, please visit FCC’s Public Access system using the following reference number: FUL/000705/25.

Decommissioning and site preparation works

Following the cessation of oil and gas production (COP) at Liverpool Bay facilities in December 2024, we are now decommissioning and repurposing the existing infrastructure at the PoA Terminal to facilitate its integration into the Liverpool Bay T&S infrastructure.

Decommissioning and site preparation works at the PoA Terminal and surrounding colliery area began in September 2025, with planning consent for this works granted by FCC in May 2024 under the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) 1990 (as amended). These works will play a crucial role in preparing the PoA Terminal for future carbon transportation and storage operations and ensuring it is ready for the equipment to transport and store CO₂ offshore.