Solent CO2 pipeline: ExxonMobil extends consultation period

Oil giant ExxonMobil has published proposals to transport CO2 from Fawley refinery to a "carbon capture" storage site in the English Channel.

If the scheme goes ahead, millions of tonnes of the greenhouse gas will be dumped underground instead of being released into the atmosphere.

A public consultation was due to end on September 12 but will now continue until the end of the month.

A map showing the three proposed routes for the pipeline, which would be between 24km and 33km long (Image: ExxonMobil)

Ina statement, ExxonMobil said the extension would ensure everyone had ample time to share their views and help the company address them wherever possible. 

Three possible routes for the pipeline have been put forward, including two on the Isle of Wight.

One route would cut through the New Forest National Park, diving under the Solent between Milford and Barton. The other two would run south from Fawley, passing under the seabed and then crossing the Island.

The proposed pipeline will be between 24km and 33km long, depending on which option is chosen.

ExxonMobil says an Isle of Wight route is preferred, but the multi-million-pound project is proving controversial on both sides of the Solent.

READ MORE: Proposed new pipeline will link Fawley refinery to CO2 dump in English Channel

The scheme has come under fire at public consultation events in the Forest, where construction "corridors" 50m wide will be created if the mainland route is chosen.

And more than 25,000 people have signed an online petition launched by Isle of Wight resident Christopher Davis.

The scheme includes construction corridors that would be 50m wide. (Image: ExxonMobil)

The petition says: "ExxonMobil are planning to build a massive pipeline across the Isle of Wight to take captured carbon dioxide from the Fawley industrial complex to be permanently buried at sea.

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

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

READ MORE: More than 25,000 people sign petition opposing plans for huge pipeline under the Solent

Concerns have also been raised by the Solent Protection Society, a charity that seeks to protect the area's ecology.

But Michael Foley, UK low carbon solutions executive at ExxonMobil, has defended the plans.

"We recognise there is a range of views on the project but if we are to ensure the UK continues to have the 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 technology will play a critical role."

Commenting on the public consultation, Mr Foley added: "We are here to listen and understand the views of local communities and stakeholders on how the proposed consultation corridors would perform, and we encourage everyone to take part. 

“More than 1,500 people have attended our public information events so far, and we have heard a broad range of points, concerns, and questions.

"We’ve extended the consultation period to ensure everyone has ample time to share their views and to help us address these wherever possible. 

“Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a proven technology with a track record of safely deploying pipelines around the world for over fifty years.

"It is recognised by the UK Government and independent experts as crucial to ensuring the country continues to meet its energy needs while lowering emissions.” 

A public consultation was due to take place at Calshot Activities Centre on Wednesday, September 4, but ExxonMobil says it was cancelled "at the request of the venue".

A similar event will be held at the Jubilee Hall in Fawley on Thursday, September 5.

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