Track-2 Acorn Cluster 2025-06-10
2025-06-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Professor Paul de Leeuw of Robert Gordon University warned that urgent action is needed to protect the energy supply chain and accelerate the just transition. The report highlighted thousands of jobs at risk without support for carbon capture projects like Acorn.
Proposals for carbon capture and storage near Peterhead in my constituency have been kicked into the long grass by successive UK Governments. Last week, a report by Professor Paul de Leeuw warned of the need for urgent action to protect the energy supply chain and accelerate the just transition; he warned that thousands upon thousands of jobs were at risk. While I know the Secretary of State recognises that the Acorn project is a strategic cornerstone of the transition to a low-carbon future and economic growth in the north-east of Scotland, will the Government finally commit the funding necessary for the project to proceed?
We know how important carbon capture, usage and storage is—the Climate Change Committee said there is no route to net zero that does not include carbon capture—with up to 50,000 good, well-paid jobs across the UK. The Government have already shown their commitment to carbon capture with a £21.7 billion investment. I am afraid that the hon. Member will have to wait until the spending review for the final decisions, but I hope he agrees that we are putting in place ambitious, substantial carbon capture plans that will drive growth across the country.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The funding commitment necessary for the Acorn project was not specifically addressed and remains pending a spending review decision.
Under Review
Response accuracy