Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham, who is also Chair of All-Party Parliamentary Group on Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage, has welcomed the Government’s announcement that the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has selected 8 projects, including a number in Teesside, to proceed to negotiations.
However he has also sounded warnings about the small number of projects – only 8 out of 40 shortlisted – going forward. Many in the East Coast Cluster have missed out including all those on the Humber.
Alex said:
“I’m pleased to see the Carbon Capture and hydrogen projects on Teesside progress to the next stage and just hope final approvals will be in place soon.
“It is however very disappointing to see that out of the 40 longlisted projects only eight are going forward and that many in East Coast Cluster, including. any in Humber, are missing out.
“It’s also disappointing to see that companies like CF Fertilisers are not on the list. CF Fertiliser is a major industry in Teesside and has encountered a number of issues in the past couple of years. It’s plant in the North West has closed and it’s Billingham base is working at reduced capacity. I would have hoped the Government would have seen the benefit in supporting this organisation – and the jobs it creates. Similarly, the Alfonar green aviation fuel project failed to make the cut.
“As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage, I will continue to work with the sector to promote schemes throughout the country and here in Teesside – and urge Ministers to expedite final decisions and demonstrate by action they are serious about Net Zero and the economic and environmental benefits it can bring.”
