The UK has finally committed to carbon capture. But not everyone is happy
After years of setbacks, the UK is finally pushing ahead with two carbon capture and storage projects. While there is scepticism about the technology, says Ros Taylor, its supporters argue the cost is justified if the UK means to reach net zero. “It would be terrible if it were the best idea ever that was never given a chance,” the late MP Bob Blizzard told the House of Commons in 2004 — the first time that carbon capture was mentioned in Parliament. Two decades later, carbon capture and storage (CCUS) has just been given another big chance worth up to £21.7 billion over the next 25 years. But not everyone has been convinced. The Green Party of England and Wales, Greenpeace and the prominent environmental campaigner George Monbiot are among the opponents. For them, CCUS is a bad idea that props up fossil fuel industries. Their objections are threefold. First, they argue the technology is unproven; second, that it is very expensive; and third, that it will encourage fossil fuel companies to carry on emitting …
After years of setbacks, the UK is finally pushing ahead with two carbon capture and storage projects. While there is scepticism about the technology, says Ros Taylor, its supporters argue the cost is justified if the UK means to reach net zero. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits the carbon capture and storage facility at the Encirc Glass plant. Credits: Number 10 | Flickr, Public domain.
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