ExxonMobil axes controversial Solent carbon capture pipeline plans
The news is being welcomed by communities on the Isle of Wight and in the New Forest
Last updated 4th Oct 2024
Controversial plans for a new carbon capture pipeline linking the Fawley Oil Refinery and the English Channel have been scrapped.
ExxonMobil had been looking to build the 33km pipe to take carbon dioxide from the site and store it at a specialised facility off the Isle of Wight, instead of releasing into the atmosphere.
The company had been consulting on three proposed routes for the project, two of which would've run under the New Forest and a third via the Isle of Wight.
In a letter seen by MPs, ExxonMobil claimed that in the 'absence of any long-term, stable Government plan, the £5 billion investment involved is currently uncompetitive'.
It comes on the same day that the Government announced plans for a £21.7 billion pound investment on clean energy projects on Merseyside and Teesside, as part of efforts to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
The plans had received massive opposition on the Isle of Wight and elsewhere, with more than 32,000 people signing a petition calling on ExxonMobil to drop the scheme.
Opponents had raised concern the project would have 'devastated' Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, unique wetland and protected animal habitats, including that of the endangered red squirrels.
Isle of Wight East MP Richard Quigley said:
"It's obviously really good news, and I think it's testament to the community coming together and objecting to the pipeline which, let's be honest, was always a ridiculous idea and only predicated on ExxonMobil saving money.
It was neither a benefit to the island or the planet - it should never have been started".
Sir Julian Lewis represents New Forest East in Parliament, which contains Lepe, the site of one of the proposed routes.
He said:
"This will come as a great relief to numerous constituents in the Forest and on the Island.
"I commend ExxonMobil both for its willingness to think again and its assurances that its valued and vital contribution to the local economy will continue, despite this reluctant but welcome change of course."
ExxonMobil had claimed the project would remove the equivalent of five million cars of the gas from the air.
A spokesperson for the company:
"Due to lack of policy certainty and timelines, we will not proceed with appraisal of CO2 storage opportunities in the English Channel at this time.
"We remain committed to reducing emissions and progressing large-scale emission reduction projects when there is supportive policy in place.
"We sincerely appreciate the valuable feedback and participation from communities and stakeholders during the Solent CO2 pipeline consultation process."