15 Questions to ExxonMobil about the proposed CO2 pipeline across the Island

We asked 15 questions to ExxonMobil about the proposed CO2 pipeline across the Isle of Wight.

There has been a lot of controversy about the proposals from ExxonMobil who want to build a CO2 pipeline, their favoured routes are two options that go either North to South or North to West across the Island.

We had difficulty getting answers when we visited one of their information events – many readers said they had found the same problem. We put some questions in writing to the company and told them we would publish the results.

Here are the full questions and the responses we received. Once you’ve read them fill in the poll below and let us know if they’ve answered the questions.

THE QUESTIONS

1.  Why are the two proposed routes across the Isle of Wight the preferred ones? Please provide the detailed reasoning.

We have preliminarily identified two favoured corridors – Isle of Wight North to West and Isle of Wight North to South. Following our initial assessments, these two corridors currently perform best when measured against our guiding principles. For example, they both pass through less complex areas, less impacts on local communities and provide greater opportunities to avoid environmental features through route selection. This is outlined in section 6 of the consultation brochure.

2. Which other routes have been considered and discounted, and on what grounds (again with details please)?

Several alternative corridor elements were considered but discounted for various reasons, including: the potential for temporary disruption to local communities; the location of community areas and buildings; and consideration of valued natural features such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation, Ramsar designated wetlands (wetlands of international importance), Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Scheduled Monuments and ancient woodlands. Details of each are outlined in section 5 of the consultation brochure.

3. Why can’t the entire pipeline be laid on the seabed from Fawley?

The pipeline can’t be fully laid on the seabed due to environmental and engineering challenges, including seabed conditions and strong currents. Corridor element E considered how to open-cut across the Hurst Spit as well as how to use a trenchless crossing to install under the spit and lay the pipeline on the seabed in the narrows. This corridor element was not taken forward due to the environmental and cultural heritage impacts. The narrows were not taken forward due to the condition of the seabed and powerful underwater movement in this area. Corridor element F was not taken forward due to the impact on the Yarmouth to Cowes Marine Conservation Zone and the Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation. There was also deemed to be a significant local economy and community impact due to installation along the seabed requiring a large no-traffic (restricted) zone in the Solent for several spring/summer seasons. Details are outlined in section 5 of the consultation brochure.

4. What consideration has been given to the inherent instability of the coastal areas of the Isle of Wight, and how might they affect the project if it were to proceed?

The risk of landslips and erosion will be carefully considered by our engineers as part of both the design process and construction planning. While installation works would be set back from the coastline, further engineering is expected to ensure appropriate management of risks relating to ground movement and exposure. This is referenced in section 6 of the consultation brochure.

5. How many other CCS pipelines have ExxonMobil installed in the UK?

ExxonMobil own and operate over 700km of fuel pipelines in the UK and have extensive experience in safely operating pipelines around the world.

6. How long is it estimated the project would take for each of the identified routes?

The installation of the pipeline will take between two to three years, but it is unlikely that installation activity would be continuous in all areas throughout this period. Installation would follow good industry practice and use established installation techniques. The specific duration depends on the route chosen and other logistical factors such as weather and local conditions. This is outlined in section 8 of the consultation brochure.

7. What happens if a pipeline fails? Could it cause death or injury to (a) people and (b) wildlife?

Pipeline operations are monitored 24/7. CO2 pipelines are constructed with high-grade steel and a protective coating to help prevent corrosion. In the unlikely event that the pipeline is damaged, we will have robust emergency response procedures to control the situation. CO2 has been transported safely by pipeline for decades. As of 2023, there were approximately 5,200 miles of pipelines carrying CO2 in operation worldwide. We will be following the same proven processes for any new pipelines that are constructed.

8. What is the commercial value to ExxonMobil of installing a CO2 pipeline? How has this been calculated?

The investment in these technologies will support the Solent region’s economy, maintain world-class high-skilled jobs and make a significant contribution towards the Government’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050.

9. What will happen if the pipeline project does not proceed?

The investment in carbon capture and storage technology will support the Solent region’s economy, maintain world class high-skilled jobs and make a significant contribution towards the Government’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050. Ultimately, this project is the linchpin to enable the Solent region to reduce emissions. It is essential that we find a route from our existing site at Fawley to the English Channel storage site to safely transport CO2 and help us achieve low carbon projects in our region.

10. What is the anticipated cost of installing the pipeline for each of the three identified options?

The costs are not yet known and will depend on the corridor chosen and the technical solutions required.

11. What licences and permissions would be required for the entire project?

A Development Consent Order application will be made to the Planning Inspectorate, who will consider the application and make a recommendation to the UK Government. It is the relevant Secretary of State who makes the decision on whether to grant development consent. The marine section of the pipeline is not a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and is separately consented under a Pipeline Works Authorisation. Similarly, CO2 storage is not part of this project and is separately consented by the North Sea Transition Authority.

12. How many of these licenses and permissions have been secured?

No permissions have been secured yet as the project is still undergoing consultation and development. We are starting the project now to reflect the development and application time required for a Development Consent Order.

13. Do any other UNESCO Biosphere Reserves have CO2 pipelines installed across them in (a) the UK and (b) elsewhere in the world?

All relevant UK habitat and landscape designations were considered during the development of corridor options. As a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, we are required to fully consider and mitigate potential impacts to habitats as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment that will be submitted with our DCO application. CCS technology is recognised by the UK’s independent Climate Change Committee and the United Nations as essential to achieving Net Zero targets.

14. What enquiries have ExxonMobil made about the impact of a CO2 pipeline on the Isle of Wight’s UNESCO Biosphere status?

All relevant UK habitat and landscape designations were considered during the development of corridor options. As a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, we are required to fully consider and mitigate potential impacts to habitats as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment that will be submitted with our DCO application. CCS technology is recognised by the UK’s independent Climate Change Committee and the United Nations as essential to achieving Net Zero targets.

15. Why is ExxonMobil suggesting installing and operating this pipeline themselves? Wouldn’t it inspire more public confidence in the project if the process was managed by a completely separate body?

ExxonMobil has more than 30 years of experience capturing and storing CO2, including the design, construction and safe operation of facilities around the world.

The link to the consultation brochure, and other documents, is here: https://www.solentco2pipeline.co.uk/document-library/.

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