UK ‘net zero’ project will produce 20m tonnes of carbon pollution, say experts

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Guardian or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The UK's Net Zero Teesside gas project, backed by BP and Equinor, is projected to emit over 20 million tonnes of carbon despite its carbon capture claims
• Research suggests that even with capturing 95% of emissions, the project will significantly pollute

🔭 The context: Approved by Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho in February, the project aims to build a gas-fired power station using carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology
• Analysts argue that including upstream emissions from extraction to transportation increases the total carbon footprint

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Despite being labeled "net zero," the project's substantial emissions challenge the efficacy and honesty of CCS technology and question the commitment to true climate goals

⏭️ What's next: Legal challenges are underway to review the project's approval, arguing it contradicts the UK's climate commitments
• The government continues to defend CCS as essential for a stable, low-emission energy supply

💬 One quote: “When a project produces over 20m tonnes of carbon pollution, it is simply wrong, and misleading, to call it ‘net zero’” said Andrew Boswell, energy analyst

📈 One stat: The project is set to emit over 20.3 million tonnes of carbon pollution throughout its lifetime

Click for more news covering the latest on Energy