ExxonMobil’s proposed Solent CO₂ Pipeline Project scheme could see areas up to 50 metres wide dug across New Forest or Isle of Wight to lay 20-mile carbon capture pipeline from Fawley refinery

OIL giant ExxonMobil is proposing cutting trenches in working areas up to 50 metres wide through the Forest to lay a 20-mile underground pipeline for a carbon capture scheme.

Running from Fawley refinery via Lepe to the coast between Milford and Barton, the pipeline is one of three proposed routes for the firm’s Solent CO2 Pipeline Project.

The project would see a steel pipeline, roughly 24 inches in diameter, pumping the refinery’s captured carbon dioxide to a saline aquifer – water permeable rock – under the seabed off the coast of the Isle of Wight.

ExxonMobil has identified three potential routes for the pipeline, including the ‘mainland’ route which cuts through the national park.

The two other proposed routes involve pipelines of 16 and 15 miles running south from Fawley under the seabed and across the Isle of Wight.

A company spokesperson said an island route was preferred.

All three of the proposals would involve the use of ‘open-cut installation’ on land, digging up 50m-wide areas to lay the pipeline. Where the pipe intersects with rivers or rail lines, engineers would use ‘horizontal directional drilling’ or ‘microtunnelling’ techniques.

The project would take up to three years to complete and require the installation of some fenced structures above ground, including pipe inspection gauge or ‘pigging’ stations.

Fawley operator Esso – which is owned by ExxonMobil – was among 14 companies awarded a licence in the UK’s first round of carbon capture and storage (CCS) licensing last September.

ExxonMobil will now host a series of public events on the project, including at multiple New Forest venues, before submitting an application.

The company said the scheme would safely capture and transport millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide from Fawley annually, claiming it’s the equivalent of removing five million cars from the roads each year. A company spokesperson said the pipeline would be a “critical component” in reducing national carbon emissions in a bid to meet net-zero targets by 2050.

ExxonMobil’s low carbon solutions venture executive for the UK, Michael Foley, said: “The UK Climate Change Committee acknowledge carbon capture and storage technology as a game-changer, describing it as a ‘necessity not an option’, and we are proud of the work we are doing to bring it to the Solent, one of the most industrially significant areas in the UK.

“Many industrial sectors in the Solent are essential yet challenging to decarbonise, like those at our Fawley Petrochemical Complex which produces a diverse range of essential products, like fuels and rubber products.”

He continued: “This pipeline, and CCS technology, will not only support the regional economy and maintain high-skilled jobs but will also contribute to the government’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050.

“We invite local communities and stakeholders to help us shape this project, particularly in choosing the pipeline’s path. We look forward to your input and collaboration in making a positive impact.”

Permission for the project will be sought via a development consent order (DCO). These allow for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) such as power plants and runways to be considered by the Planning Inspectorate, which then recommends to the Secretary of State whether project consent should be granted.

For the pipeline project, separate consent would be needed for the marine section of the pipe from the Pipeline Works Authorisation. The carbon storage element of the project would also need separate consent from the North Sea Transition Authority.

New Forest District Council leader Cllr Jill Cleary urged caution over the scheme: “New Forest District Council is aware of the ExxonMobil proposals for a CO2 pipeline aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

“We recognise the importance of innovative solutions in addressing climate change and are supportive of initiatives that contribute to a sustainable future.

“However, as custodians of this unique and special area, our response to the consultation will be mindful of our responsibility to protect and preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity that define our community.”

She continued: “As the local authority, we are a consultee in these proposals.

“We note that the consultation includes a westerly route through the New Forest national park because it is technically possible, but makes clear that a southerly routing via the Isle of Wight is the preferred route.

“We will be briefing all our elected members on the proposals, encouraging local communities and residents to respond to the consultation, and drafting our own response once there has been a fuller opportunity to consider the impact of the proposals on the New Forest district.

“We urge careful consideration of the potential impacts on our local environment and residents. It is essential that any plans put forward not only meet rigorous environmental standards but also respect the special character of our region.”

Chair of the New Forest National Park Authority, David Bence, said: ‘The CO2 Pipeline Project consultation proposals outline several consultation corridors, all of which are located at least in part within nationally protected landscapes, with the preferred route via the Isle of Wight.

“The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 placed a strengthened legal duty on relevant bodies to further the purposes of the national park – to protect and enhance it – when carrying out functions that will affect land in a national park and we expect this to be fully demonstrated in any future planning application.

“As a nationally significant infrastructure project any future planning application will be determined nationally by the government, rather than locally by the respective local planning authorities. The national park authority welcomes the opportunity provided for the public and other relevant stakeholders to comment on the consultation corridors for the proposed project.”

A series of 11 non-statutory public consultations will be held over the proposed routes for the Solent CO2 Pipeline Project. The New Forest area events will be at:

• Boldre War Memorial Hall in Pilley Street, Lymington, from 10.30am to 5pm, on Wednesday 14th August.

• Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel and Resort in South Baddesley Road, Lymington, from 10.30am to 6.30pm, on Friday 16th August

• The Bridge Community Centre in Sea Road, Milford, from 10.30am to 6.30pm, on Friday 30th August

• Calshot Activity Centre in Calshot Road, Calshot, from 10.30am to 4.30pm, on Wednesday 4th September

• Jubilee Hall in The Square, Fawley, from 10.30am to 6.30pm, on Thursday 5th September

A consultation document and response form is also at solentco2pipeline.co.uk and responses can be emailed to info@solentco2pipeline.co.uk or mailed to 1180 Eskdale Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, RG41 5TU.

The consultation period opened today (Thursday) and ends at 6pm on 12th September. An ExxonMobil spokesperson said: “This is a non-statutory consultation, an extra step to ensure thorough public engagement.

“It will focus on three proposed pipeline corridors, assessed for environmental impact, technical complexity, and community impact. Stakeholder feedback will help select the preferred corridor for detailed planning.”