Residents and councillors have raised concerns about a proposed carbon capture facility on the Wirral coast. Developers say further consultation is under way as they seek public feedback.
Hundreds of local residents gathered to protest against the proposed Peak Cluster pipeline in Wirral, a major infrastructure project aimed at carbon capture and storage. The project, which has an estimated cost of £5 billion, involves the construction of a four-to-five-story compression facility near Mels or Morton. This facility is designed to collect carbon dioxide emissions—including those from cement production in the Peak District—and store them in depleted gas fields off the Morecambe coast.
Additionally, the scheme could connect to the Essar Tranmere oil terminal, which officials suggest might enable the importation of carbon dioxide from other locations. The project has received substantial government backing, with £28.6 million already committed to its development. If approved, construction could commence in 2029 and span until 2032.
However, the proposal has sparked intense local opposition, drawing criticism from community members and political representatives across various parties. In response to the backlash, Peak Cluster chair David Parkin stated that the company remains committed to listening to community concerns and using local knowledge to refine their plans. Parkin also acknowledged and apologized for previous issues related to how public engagement had been managed.
Despite these assurances, many residents remain unconvinced. Laura Beverage, representing the group Action Against CCS, noted that opposition is intensifying and gaining support from groups along the pipeline route, as well as from the Derbyshire County Council. The controversy surrounding the Peak Cluster project highlights the complex balance between necessary national infrastructure for environmental goals and the significant concerns of local communities regarding safety and the preservation of their surroundings.
