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

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


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

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