SNP: Tory Backtrack on CCS Stifling Job Creation and Investment

Following the announcement that the UK Government will scrap its £1 billion commercialisation programme for developing carbon capture, the SNP have described the decision as an “enormous disappointment”.

Commenting, SNP spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change Callum McCaig MP said:

“It is extremely disappointing that the UK Government has scrapped vital support for this innovative project which has the potential to be world-leading when it comes to removing carbon emissions from our energy supplies.

“UK energy strategy is now so reliant on gas-fired generation it is inexplicable that the Tories have now backtracked and decided to withdraw their support for the construction of the world’s first full-scale gas carbon capture and storage project proposed for Peterhead Power station.

“The Tories have dealt another blow to Scottish electricity generation and reneged on a manifesto commitment. George Osborne’s obsession with austerity will only succeed in stifling job creation and investment in this burgeoning sector.”

Stewart Stevenson MSP, whose Banffshire and Buchan Coast constituency includes Peterhead, said:

“It is deeply concerning that the UK Government has backtracked on this crucial investment at the eleventh hour, especially given the upcoming Paris climate talks.

“The UK Government’s yo-yoing over whether or not to support this world-leading carbon capture project shows complete disregard for Scotland’s energy sector and will be an enormous disappointment for Peterhead’s local economy.

“The Tories have missed a huge opportunity to champion new technologies that will cut emissions in Scotland and across the UK – and all because they are blinkered by their obsession with austerity.”