The UK government has announced investments of nearly £22 billion to develop carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects aimed at reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial sources, supporting economic growth, and creating new jobs over the next two and a half decades, according to local media reports. However, the plan has sparked a debate, with some emphasizing the potential environmental and economic benefits, while critics argue that it is an unproven technology that could extend the dependence on fossil fuels instead of directing funds toward renewable energy sources.
The £22 billion investment is focused on establishing three carbon capture projects in former industrial areas of northwestern and northeastern England, particularly around Liverpool and the North Sea. The Port of Liverpool was once one of the busiest in the world, leading to the development of shipbuilding, manufacturing, and trade.
These projects aim to capture emissions from power plants, cement factories, and blast furnaces, storing the CO₂ underground or reusing it in industrial processes. The government expects these projects to reduce carbon emissions by 8.5 million tons annually, as reported by international media outlets.
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Nevertheless, despite government bodies supporting this decision, there are criticisms regarding the CCS project plans. Certain societal groups have voiced concerns, pointing out that CCS technology has a poor track record of results.
As explained, most existing CCS projects are linked to natural gas processing, where a large portion of the captured CO₂ is re-injected into oil fields instead of significantly reducing overall emissions. The issue is that the captured CO₂ is not permanently stored in geological formations to prevent its release into the atmosphere; much of that CO₂ is used to enhance oil extraction from oil fields. This process is known as enhanced oil recovery, which creates a “vicious cycle” where claims of environmental protection and renewable energy development are undermined.
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