Consultation launched into Fawley Oil Refinery pipeline plans
ExxonMobil hope the project will boost carbon capture and storage technology across the South
A consultation's underway into plans for a new pipeline linking the Fawley Oil Refinery and the English Channel.
The 33km pipe would take carbon dioxide from the site and store it at a specialised facility off the Isle of Wight, instead of releasing into the atmosphere.
ExxonMobil, who run the Fawley refinery, claim this would remove the equivalent of five million cars of the gas from the air.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Michael Foley from ExxonMobil said the pipeline would be key to the UK's net-zero plans.
"We see this as a really important project for the South, and potentially lead on the implementation of carbon capture and storage."
He added it would help reduce emissions beyond the Fawley complex.
"We're working a lot with universities in the region as well, and I think it can provide a platform for a really exciting future in the South that is building around low carbon opportunities."
Mr Foley also confirmed that ExxonMobil are looking at three possible routes for the pipeline, which take in the New Forest and the Isle of Wight.
He said the consultation would allow for the company to work closely with the communities affected.
"At this stage, we're only really identifying large corridors, and once we understand the pros and cons of those, and hopefully can find a preferred option, we'll then start to do a lot more work on the engineering and understand a narrower route."
The consultation closes at 6pm on 12 September.