Government strike deal with Teesside company to help with CO2 shortages
CF Industries, who have a plant in Billingham, were facing closure just days ago
Last updated 21st Sep 2021
A deal's been reached with a major supplier of carbon dioxide in the UK to restart production.
CF industries has a plant in Billingham, and was facing closure earlier this week.
It's been in short supply as a side-effect of high gas prices - but the impact's been widespread, affecting everything from fizzy drinks to meat.
Now the government's reached an agreement with CF Industries which produces 60 percent of CO2 to resume operations.
Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham - who met the Secretary of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Kwasi Kwarteng MP this afternoon - has welcomed the announcement:
“I am delighted that an agreement has been reached which will see CF Fertiliser restart production at its Billingham plant. This is great news for our area, the hundreds of people who work there, and the many businesses and others from food processors to hospitals who rely on its products, specifically the CO2 which is produced as a by-product in the manufacture of fertiliser.
“At my meeting with the Secretary of State I re-emphasised the need to find a long-term solution to the pressure being felt by CF and other energy intensive industries on Teesside and for a new plan of action on carbon and gas transportation prices which along with rising gas prices is putting many businesses and jobs at risk.
"I hope he learns from the events of the past few days and comes forward with a sustainable long-term plan in the near future.”