MP Calls for Immdeiate Statement on CCS Speculation

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has called for an emergency statement following press speculation that the UK will not receive any funding for the first round of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects under the EU’s NER 300 funding scheme.

Failure by the Tory-led Westminster Government to provide full financial details in their application for funding has resulted in no UK projects being given funding for the first stage of the scheme.

Commenting, Dr Whiteford, said:

"These rumours are deeply worrying and, if true, would signal a clear lack of vision and commitment to CCS and renewable projects in Scotland.

"The UK Government needs to clarify whether these rumours are true as a matter of urgency.  If they have no substance then the government needs to say so. Until it does, its silence on the issue only deepens concerns about its commitment to the industry, causing uncertainty for investors and putting thousands of future jobs at risk.

"Even if these rumours are false, the lack of communication by the Tories and their Lib-Dem allies on CCS investment gives out mixed messages to those interested in investing in major projects in Scotland.  This is a huge concern, but it is stands in stark contrast to the clear message of the Scottish Government on CCS, as it does its record on renewable research and investment.

"This really is a tale of two governments. While the London Government dithers, the Scottish Government is fully committed to fulfilling Scotland’s potential to be a world leader in CCS technology.

"We have already seen the benefit of this can do attitude in the renewable sector, and, only this week we have had the creation of a further 750 jobs. London needs to clarify its position now, and fully commit itself to properly support the CCS industry in Scotland."