UK first carbon capture projects 'to support 2,000 jobs'

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🗞️ Driving the news: The UK government has signed contracts for carbon capture projects on Teesside, claiming they will support 2,000 jobs
• Backed by £22 billion over 25 years, these facilities aim to capture and store emissions from polluting industries, with construction starting in 2025 and operations expected by 2028
• Critics argue the technology does not eliminate pollution and prolongs dependence on fossil fuels

🔭 The context: These projects are part of a collaboration involving energy firms Equinor, TotalEnergies, and BP, under the Net Zero Teesside Power (NZT Power) and Northern Endurance Partnership
• Initially targeting 4 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, they aim to scale up to 23 million tonnes by 2035
• The initiative reflects growing investment in carbon capture as a strategy for emissions reduction

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Carbon capture offers a pathway to reduce industrial emissions but does not address the root cause of pollution
• Some environmentalists warn it risks delaying a transition to renewable energy by extending fossil fuel use

⏭️ What's next: Construction will begin in mid-2025, with the first phase operational by 2028
• The success of these projects will depend on scaling up storage capacity and demonstrating the viability of carbon capture at scale

💬 One quote: "The investment launches a new era for clean energy in Britain," - Energy Secretary Ed Miliband

📈 One stat: The Teesside projects aim to store up to 23 million tonnes of CO₂ annually by 2035

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