New Forest East MP, Julian Lewis, has posted to his website today (3rd October 2024) that he’s been told ExxonMobil has abandoned its controversial scheme to build the Solent CO2 pipeline from Fawley Refinery across either the Isle of Wight or the New Forest.
His website states:
The company has decided that, in the absence of any long-term, stable Government plan, the £5 billion investment involved is currently uncompetitive.
Sir Julian commented,
“This will come as a great relief to numerous constituents in the Forest and on the Island.
“I commend ExxonMobil both for its willingness to think again and its assurances that its valued and vital contribution to the local economy will continue, despite this reluctant but welcome change of course.”
OnTheWight has contact the Solent CO2 pipeline project team and Isle of Wight West MP, Richard Quigley, and will update once we hear back.
Huge opposition
There has been huge opposition to the plans, which would have seen a pipeline corridor from North to West or North to South.
An online petition, opposing the proposed pipeline attracted more than 32,000 signatures.
