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Case Study

Assessment of the CCUS Supply Chain in Scotland

Mapping the supply chain for CCUS in Scotland and taking a leading role in the sector

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) is a critical technology for reducing CO2 emissions and achieving net zero-goals, particularly for the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors. Against the backdrop of substantial UK Government investment in CCUS cluster development, this study explored how Scotland can leverage its established industrial base and supply chain expertise to take a leading role in the CCUS sector.

Optimat was commissioned to map the supply chain for CCUS and assess the role that Scottish companies can play in supporting this emerging sector, contributing to domestic decarbonisation and net-zero targets. The findings were presented to industry, government, and public sector stakeholders at the DecarbScotland conference hosted by NECCUS.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Map the systems and components critical to the CCUS supply chain, using insights from industry reports and procurement data from existing pilot projects.
Identify Scottish capabilities and opportunities to develop applications for the CCUS supply chain, by analysing activity in adjacent existing supply chains.
Understand the challenges and limitations faced by Scottish companies in entering and scaling equipment for CCUS.
Develop practical recommendations to support the long-term development of Scottish organisations, enabling them to access, participate in, and benefit from the growth of the CCUS sector.

Map the systems and components critical to the CCUS supply chain, using insights from industry reports and procurement data from existing pilot projects.
Identify Scottish capabilities and opportunities to develop applications for the CCUS supply chain, by analysing activity in adjacent existing supply chains.
Understand the challenges and limitations faced by Scottish companies in entering and scaling equipment for CCUS.
Develop practical recommendations to support the long-term development of Scottish organisations, enabling them to access, participate in, and benefit from the growth of the CCUS sector.




OUR APPROACH

The analysis was carried out through a combination of desk research, stakeholder engagement, and industry consultations. A comprehensive database was developed to map the capabilities of organisations in adjacent supply chains against the key components and systems required for CCUS, helping to identify where Scotland’s strengths and opportunities are best positioned.

Industry consultation played a central role in shaping the findings. An online survey gathered responses from 65 potential suppliers across sectors relevant to CCUS, while 16 in-depth interviews were conducted with strategically selected companies and stakeholders. These engagements provided valuable insights into company profiles, levels of current and future involvement in CCUS, and the key barriers and opportunities shaping supply chain development.

DELIVERY TEAM

Joginder Fagura
Senior Consultant
About>
Iain Weir
Senior Consultant
About>
Ed Leigh
Consultant
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OUTPUTS AND IMPACTS

The project found that some Scottish companies are actively engaging with CCUS opportunities, with many already delivering critical products and services across the full supply chain from carbon capture and transportation to long-term storage.

A strong culture of innovation, combined with Scotland’s historical expertise in oil and gas, is also enabling enterprises to take a forward-looking approach to emerging energy solutions.

Scotland demonstrates strengths in key areas of the CCUS supply chain, including control and instrumentation, pumps and valves, subsea engineering, operations and maintenance, and professional services. With these capabilities, Scottish industry is strongly positioned to support the deployment and growth of CCUS infrastructure.

The transition to a fully integrated CCUS supply chain is not without challenges. Analysis identified several barriers, including skills shortages, regulatory uncertainty, and the need for substantial financial investment to scale operations. Overcoming these issues will be essential for Scotland to realise its full potential in the global CCUS sector.

Joginder Fagura

Senior Consultant

I’m Joginder, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in designing and delivering evidence-based economic development and sector growth strategies, working with public sector clients across the UK. My passion lies in translating complex evidence into practical recommendations that help organisations and industries make smarter investment and policy decisions.

I started my career in consultancy with Optimat in 2000. I’ve led and contributed to high-profile studies spanning advanced materials and manufacturing, clean energy industries, life sciences and medical devices. Much of my work has focused on mapping supply chains, identifying market opportunities, benchmarking international best practice, and shaping innovation ecosystems.

I particularly enjoy projects that bring industry, academia, and government together to explore how innovation can drive sustainable growth.

Prior to joining Optimat, I worked as a material scientist, designing bespoke, high-performance materials for demanding application. This practical grounding in industrial research and product development has been invaluable in understanding both the technical and commercial realities of innovation, enabling me to provide clients with advice that is both evidence-based and pragmatic.

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from Brunel University and an MSc in Polymer Sciencefrom Lancaster University.

Iain Weir

Senior Consultant

I’m Iain Weir, formerly Managing Director of Optimat.  I joined Optimat in 1990 and now have over 35 years’ experience of strategy, innovation and economic development consultancy. I am now working part-time as a senior consultant as a stepping stone to retirement in the future.

During my time at Optimat, I’ve worked to support company growth, innovation and economic development across a range of sectors, and I enjoy working with clients to turn data and insight into meaningful action.  I’m proud to have had an integral role over that time in developing Optimat into an internationally recognised strategy consultancy.

One of my key areas of expertise is the development of the low carbon economy, a topic of increasing importance for today’s industries.  I think this is a challenging area for industry and the public sector to address as there can be several solutions offered to reduce carbon impacts, often without a strong evidence base to support their use. I enjoy pursuing an evidence-based analyses of these options to provide valuable insights to stakeholders.

Before joining Optimat, I worked in research and development in the electro-optic materials sector, developing and marketing innovative high-tech materials for a range of applications.  This industrial experience has strongly influenced my approach to assisting companies with their innovation activities.

I hold a BSc (1st class Hons) in Chemistry, a PhD in Chemistry, and an MBA.  I think this strong scientific background has enabled me to pursue an evidence-based and analytical approach to consultancy.

Ed Leigh

Consultant

I am Ed, a Consultant at Optimat. I’m passionate about turning complex climate and nature concepts into clear, actionable insights. My core expertise is around carbon appraisal and management, climate/social innovation development, and product supply chain mapping/market strategy.

I especially enjoy collaborating with clients and stakeholders to shape meaningful action, combining robust quantitative analysis with qualitative insight to create strategies grounded in clear problem definition. This approach has enabled me to build strong relationships and expand my technical understanding of emerging and novel technologies, while also identifying and mapping the skills required to address them effectively.

My work includes the management of greenhouse gases and the development of strategic pathways for reduction and removals in sectors including transport, CCUS, energy, and nature-based solutions. I have developed practical approaches to innovation support by developing implementation strategies for climate technologies and nature-based solutions, with a systems-wide perspective.

I have completed a BSc in Geography and an MSc in Global Strategy and Sustainability. I am passionate about applying systems approaches to develop tangible, logical steps to deliver a resilient, adaptation-based future.