Proposal for Solent CO2 pipeline

Proposal for Solent CO2 pipeline

Our response to the proposals by ExxonMobil:

Chair of the New Forest National Park Authority David Bence said: ‘The CO2 Pipeline Project consultation proposals outline several consultation corridors, all of which are located at least in part within nationally protected landscapes, with the preferred route via the Isle of Wight.

‘The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 placed a strengthened legal duty on relevant bodies to further the purposes of the National Park – to protect and enhance it – when carrying out functions that will affect land in a National Park and we expect this to be fully demonstrated in any future planning application.

‘As a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project any future planning application will be determined nationally by the Government, rather than locally by the respective local planning authorities. The National Park Authority welcomes the opportunity provided for the public and other relevant stakeholders to comment on the consultation corridors for the proposed project.’

The New Forest National Park Authority’s response to the Solent CO2 pipeline consultation was submitted on 19 September (available to view by clicking this link).

ExxonMobil press release

Public invited to provide input on new Solent CO2 Pipeline Project

ExxonMobil is inviting the public to participate in the consultation for the proposed routes of the Solent CO2 Pipeline Project.

The company is seeking approval to construct an underground pipeline from the Fawley Petrochemical Complex in Hampshire to the only identified offshore CO2 storage site in the English Channel. This initiative aims to safely transport millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, which is equivalent to removing five million cars from the road each year.

This pipeline is a critical component of implementing Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology for the Solent region, supporting efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Michael Foley, UK Low Carbon Solutions Venture Executive at ExxonMobil, said: ‘The proposed pipeline will be capable of safely transporting millions of tonnes of captured CO2, potentially removing the equivalent of five million cars from the roads each year.

‘The UK Climate Change Committee acknowledge CCS technology as a game-changer, describing it as a ‘necessity not an option’, and we are proud of the work we are doing to bring it to the Solent, one of the most industrially significant areas in the UK.

“Many industrial sectors in the Solent are essential yet challenging to decarbonise, like those at our Fawley Petrochemical Complex which produces a diverse range of essential products, like fuels and rubber products.

‘This pipeline, and CCS technology, will not only support the regional economy and maintain high-skilled jobs but will also contribute to the government’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050.

‘We invite local communities and stakeholders to help us shape this project, particularly in choosing the pipeline’s path. We look forward to your input and collaboration in making a positive impact.”

For the most convenient and efficient way to contribute to the consultation, please visit www.solentco2pipeline.co.uk.

For more information about the project and how you can contribute to the decision-making process, please contact us at info@solentco2pipeline.co.uk.

About the consultation

The consultation period for the Solent CO2 Pipeline Project started on Thursday 18 July 2024.  It has now been extended to conclude at 18:00 on Monday 30 September 2024. This consultation is open to everyone.

ExxonMobil will host 11 public consultation exhibitions (listed below), providing opportunities for public interaction with the project team. This is a non-statutory consultation, an extra step to ensure thorough public engagement.

It will focus on three proposed pipeline corridors, assessed for environmental impact, technical complexity, and community impact: the Isle of Wight North to West corridor, the Isle of Wight North to South corridor, and the Mainland corridor, with the Isle of Wight North to West and Isle of Wight North to South corridors preliminarily identified as favoured options.

Stakeholder feedback will help select the preferred corridor for detailed planning. For the most convenient and efficient way to contribute to the consultation, please visit www.solentco2pipeline.co.uk.

To provide feedback, people can: 

• Online (as above): Visit www.solentco2pipeline.co.uk to access the consultation document and complete the response form.
• Email: Send their responses to info@solentco2pipeline.co.uk.
• Post: Use the response form at the back of the consultation document, which can be downloaded from www.solentco2pipeline.co.uk, and mail it to 1180 Eskdale Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, RG41 5TU, UK.

Public events

Location: Afton Date: Tuesday 6 August 2024 Time: 10:30 – 18:30 Venue: East Afton Farmhouse, Newport Road, Yarmouth, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, PO40 9UF.

Location: Newport Date: Wednesday 7 August 2024 Time: 10:00 – 17:30 Venue: The Victoria Pavilion, Recreation Ground Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5AH

Location: Boldre Date: Wednesday 14 August 2024 Time: 10:30 – 17:00 Venue: Boldre War Memorial Hall, Pilley Street, Lymington, SO41 5QG

Location: Lymington Date: Friday 16 August 2024 Time: 10:30 – 18:30 Venue: Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel & Resort, S Baddesley Road, Lymington

Location: Shalfleet Date: Thursday 22 August 2024 Time: 10:30 – 17:00 Venue: Shalfleet Village Hall, Church Lane, Shalfleet, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 4NF

Location: Cowes Date: Friday 23 August 2024 Time: 10:30 – 18:30 Venue: Phoenix Knights Centre, Cockleton Lane, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 8QE

Location: Niton Date: Saturday 24 August 2024 Time: 10:30 – 18:30 Venue: Niton Village Hall, Village Hall, High Street, Niton, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 2AT Hall booked 09:00-19:30

Location: Milford Date: Friday 30 August 2024 Time: 10:30 – 18:30 Venue: The Bridge Community Centre, The Bridge, 9 Sea Road, Milford on Sea, Lymington, SO41 0PH

Location: Cowes Date: Tuesday 3 September 2024 Time: 10:30 – 18:30 Venue: Phoenix Knights Centre, Cockleton Lane, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 8QE.

About Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is the process of capturing CO2 that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. CO2 is then transported via a pipeline to an underground storage location. Storage locations are typically deep rock formations which can provide the conditions for safe, secure, and permanent storage.

CCS technology has been utilised since 1972. With over 30 years of experience, ExxonMobil possesses significant expertise in capturing and storing CO2 safely. The company has captured a total of 120 million metric tons of CO2, accounting for about 40% of all anthropogenic CO2 ever captured.

In 2021, ExxonMobil launched its Low Carbon Solutions business to leverage its expertise in geophysics and complex project management.

In the UK, the government has identified over 500 potential CO2 storage sites, including saline aquifers located southwest of the Solent in the English Channel, more than 1,000 metres below the seabed.

These aquifers, composed of porous rocks filled with saline water, securely trap CO2, with multiple impermeable rock layers above preventing its escape.

According to government data, the proposed storage site is the only one in the English Channel.