Member Article

Middlesbrough MP urges Gov to make CCU tech investment in Teesside

Tom Blenkinsop, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, has called on the government to invest in Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technology in Teesside as a way to boost investment and job creation in the region.

Tom pointed to the recent success of Carbon Clean Solutions in India which has created technology to capture the CO2 created by an industrial plant and use it to make Baking Soda, on a commercial basis, i.e. without government subsidy.

The government controversially cancelled a project to help get the industry off the ground in the UK in 2015, which was due to fund starter projects in Teesside, despite warnings that the move could cost jobs. Recently, a Parliamentary Advisory Group on Carbon Capture and Storage called for greater government support for the industry and claimed early investment in the technology could save consumers billions.

Tom said: “The government must act to support CCS and CCU technology now. Teesside in particular could benefit as our area’s industry provides the perfect environment in which to build a commercially viable Carbon Capture sector.

“I have written to Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to ask for a meeting to discuss how this could benefit Teesside and what the Government can do to get this industry going.

“Carbon Clean in India have shown that with determination and innovation this can be done. The Government cannot afford to pass up this opportunity which would cut pollution, cut bills, create jobs and bring much needed investment to our area.

“I believe the Government can and should help Teesside to lead the world in this relatively new technology.”

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