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ExxonMobil Pipeline Consultation Ends Today

(c) Pickles

A consultation on major plans for a Solent CO2 pipeline, which could affect the Isle of Wight, ends today (Monday).

ExxonMobil’s began the consultation at the end of July and at the time said it was to collect feedback and improve its understanding of how its three proposed corridors would perform – two of which would pass beneath the Island.

According to the firm’s consultation brochure, proposed corridors would transport CO2 from its Fawley Manufacturing Complex and possibly the “wider Solent area” to a “deep rock formation” in the English Channel.

ExxonMobil’s Michael Foley, UK low carbon solutions executive, said feedback would help the company select a “preferred corridor”.

The firm would then “refine” the chosen corridor into a 50 metre wide route which be subject to “further consultation”.

ExxonMobil has hosted public events as part of the consultation which have been held in Isle of Wight towns and villages including Shalfleet, Cowes, Newport and Brighstone.

The pipeline proposal has however been met with stiff resistance on the Island.

Opposition has ranged from a petition garnering over 30,000 signatures to concerned residents and councillors setting up a campaign group and the Isle of Wight Council voting to “strongly” object to the proposal.

Councillors Claire Critchison and Nick Stuart have been at the forefront of IOW Call to Action, a cross-party campaign whose steering committee were elected at a Brighstone meeting on September 12.

Cllr Critchison has previously said:

“The viability of the disposal site and the safety aspects alone should stop the pipeline from being agreed but we must ensure our government have all the facts and realise that the protected areas on and around the Isle of Wight and the South Coast are too important to destroy with the ExxonMobil plan.

“Alternatives such as shipping the C02 would be a more suitable solution in this location as we progress the transition away from fossil fuel usage.”

A spokesperson for ExxonMobil has previously said:

“We are committed to engaging with local communities and stakeholders, including MPs, to ensure their views are heard as we move forward.

“CCS is a proven and essential technology for reducing emissions, recognised by the UK Government and independent experts as crucial for achieving net zero by 2050.”

The consultation ends at 6pm. You can have your say at https://www.solentco2pipeline.co.uk/have-your-say/.
 

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