A petition set up to stop a huge pipeline running between Fawley and a CO2 dump in the English Channel has now topped 25,000 signatures.

Support for Isle of Wight resident Christopher Davis’s Change.org appeal has shot up by nearly 24,000 signatures since August 16.

ExxonMobil wants to build an underground pipeline to transport captured CO2 from its Fawley refinery and potentially the wider Solent area.

READ MORE: ExxonMobil's plans for huge pipe to English Channel CO2 dump

The fossil fuel giant has said the CO2 would be transferred to a deep rock formation in the English Channel to be safely stored.

Since it presented plans on July 18, the corporation has been carrying out its Pipeline Corridor Consultation which puts forward three potential routes, two of which travel beneath the Isle of Wight and another which crosses through the New Forest.

The petition reads: “ExxonMobil are planning to build a massive pipeline across the Isle of Wight to take captured carbon dioxide, from the Fawley Industrial complex, on Southampton Water, to be permanently buried at sea.

“The two favoured routes cut straight through the Isle of Wight, from coast to coast, and will involve enormous groundworks over several years.

“The pipeline route will be up to 50 metres wide, creating a massive scar right across the Island.” 

On Tuesday (August 27) Christopher said: “This petition is aimed at getting the entire Solent CO2 Pipeline Project cancelled.

“The formal consultation on this will not begin for some time yet – our hope is to unite the opposition.

“Such pipelines are fraught with dangers and have been banned in some American states.

“Leakage, pollution and even explosions have been quoted as long term hazards.”

Councillors Nick Stuart and Claire Critchison are in the process of organising a campaign group opposing the Solent CO2 Pipeline.

Michael Foley, UK low carbon solutions executive at ExxonMobil, said: “As part of our commitment to following the Development Consent Order process as set out by the UK Government, we are currently inviting local communities and stakeholders – via our consultation – to help us shape this project, particularly in choosing the pipeline’s path.

“We recognise that there is a range of views on the project, but if we are to ensure the UK continues to have the vital heating, transport fuels, and products that people rely on every day, while at the same time lowering emissions, it is recognised by the UK Government and independent experts alike that Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology will play a critical role.

“CCS is a proven technology that has seen underground pipelines safely deployed around the world for more than fifty years, with ExxonMobil itself operating hundreds of miles of pipeline.”