At Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, we are dedicated to protecting our natural heritage, addressing the climate and biodiversity crises, and ensuring that future developments do not come at the cost of wildlife and wild places. In light of this, we have significant concerns regarding the proposed Solent CO2 carbon capture pipeline.
The Solent CO2 Carbon Capture Pipeline project aims to construct a pipeline to capture and transport carbon dioxide emissions from the Fawley Manufacturing Complex for storage in an area under the seabed in the English Channel.
The project proposes to transport the captured carbon dioxide through a pipeline across one of three potential corridors. All three of these routes would significantly impact areas of considerable ecological importance, and pose a direct threat to habitats and species already under pressure. These areas include the New Forest National Park, the Isle of Wight National Landscape, and multiple internationally and nationally protected sites. Given the scale of the work and the sensitive nature of the ecosystems involved, we believe that without detailed ecological assessments, it is currently impossible to fully understand or mitigate the impacts of this proposal.
Key concerns
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Lack of ecological information: There is a concerning lack of detail in the consultation regarding ecological assessments, surveys, and mitigation measures for the proposed pipeline routes. Until this information is provided, it is impossible for us to give valid feedback or ensure adequate protection of vital habitats.
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Impacts on protected areas: The proposed routes cut through or lie close to numerous protected areas, including Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). These areas are home to irreplaceable habitats and species already under threat. The project’s plans to mitigate against any potential harm to these areas are currently unclear and lack sufficient detail.
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Compliance with legal nature targets: While carbon capture technology may play a role in reaching net-zero targets, this project must not undermine broader environmental goals. The UK has a legal target under the Environment Act 2021 to halt nature’s decline by 2030, and we are concerned that this project could jeopardise progress towards this goal, both locally and nationally.
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Biodiversity Net Gain: Although Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has been mentioned in relation to the project, we believe a more ambitious commitment to restoring and enhancing nature is needed, given the significant biodiversity value of the areas affected. A genuine uplift of more than 10% BNG should be delivered.
Read our joint letter from the Trust, RSPB, Isle of Wight Biosphere and Solent Protection Society to Solent CO₂ Pipeline Project here.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s position on carbon capture technology?
We recognise that carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology may be necessary to achieve net zero, particularly in hard-to-decarbonise sectors like heavy industry – as highlighted by the Government’s independent advisor on climate change, the Climate Change Committee (CCC). However, we firmly believe that CCS must not facilitate the continued use of fossil fuels and should never come at the expense of nature. Current proposals for the Solent CO2 pipeline risk perpetuating fossil fuel use at the Fawley refinery, and associated extraction. We would prefer investment is directed towards reducing emissions at the source. We would also wish to see a full assessment of how the pipeline proposals, and the CO2 to be captured, align with regional plans to achieve net zero across the relevant authorities.
Healthy, functioning ecosystems are likewise essential in addressing both the climate and biodiversity crises. First and foremost, we champion the use of nature-based solutions to help address the twin biodiversity and climate crises together.
Why is the Trust concerned about the Solent CO2 pipeline?
The proposed pipeline threatens areas of significant biodiversity value, including national and international wildlife designations. Without clear ecological assessments and a detailed understanding of the impacts, it is impossible to ensure the protection of these sensitive habitats and species. Our primary concern is the irreversible damage that could be caused to vital ecosystems in the region.
What is missing from the current consultation process?
We believe the consultation has provided insufficient information on ecological assessments, baseline surveys, and mitigation measures for all three proposed pipeline routes. Without this, we cannot adequately assess the risks posed to biodiversity or provide informed feedback on the proposal.
How does this project align with UK environmental goals?
The UK government has a legal obligation under the Environment Act 2021 to halt nature’s decline by 2030, as well as international commitments to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. Based on the information available, it is unclear how this project will meet these objectives. The project’s potential to disrupt protected areas and ecological networks raises serious concerns about its compatibility with these goals.
What are the potential impacts on wildlife?
The proposed pipeline corridors pass through or near several areas of high ecological importance, including the New Forest National Park, the Isle of Wight National Landscape and various Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). These habitats are home to declining species, such as ground-nesting heathland birds, migrant coastal seabirds, and wintering waders and wildfowl. These species rely on intact, healthy ecosystems, and disruption caused by the pipeline could have severe long-term consequences.
What are your recommendations for improving the project?
Our primary concern is that there is currently insufficient information provided in the consultation to truly consider the full environmental implications for each of the proposed corridors. Likewise, there is a significant lack of detail on what mitigation measures will be delivered, and how these will be effective.
To address this, we recommend:
- A more comprehensive ecological assessment is provided for all the proposed routes.
- A genuine commitment is made to avoid harming key species and habitats and applying the mitigation hierarchy.
- A stronger Biodiversity Net Gain commitment, with a genuine uplift of more than 10%.
- A full Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) is conducted to determine the impact on protected areas.
- A clear justification is provided for how the project aligns with national planning policies, especially those concerning development within National Parks and National Landscapes.
How is the Trust working with other organisations?
We are collaborating with partners such as the RSPB, Solent Protection Society, and Isle of Wight Biosphere to raise joint concerns about the environmental impacts of the pipeline. Together, we are advocating for more robust protections for the sensitive ecosystems and species in the proposed project areas.
We will continue to engage with the consultation process and work to ensure that nature remains at the forefront of any decision-making regarding this project. We welcome early engagement with the project developers but remain committed to protecting the rich biodiversity of the region.