Leading climate scientists are asking Labour to pause its £1bn plan to invest in carbon capture and blue hydrogen, warning that the technology is unproven and could lock the UK into fossil fuel dependency.
Matthew Taylor reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Scientists say carbon capture and blue hydrogen could lead to high methane emissions and hinder the UK's net zero targets.
- They argue the investment would lock the UK into long-term fossil fuel use and increase energy costs.
- Labour's plan faces criticism for backing untested technologies rather than proven renewable solutions like home insulation and public transport.
Key quote:
"When it comes to carbon capture and storage, which has a track record of repeated failure, or considering the risks of methane emissions from importing gas to make hydrogen, we can’t see this as a good use of big public subsidies."
— Claire James, Campaign against Climate Change
Why this matters:
If the UK invests heavily in unproven carbon capture technologies, some scientists say it risks derailing its net zero goals, increasing methane emissions and prolonging dependence on fossil fuels rather than focusing on renewable energy solutions.
Learn more: Climate activists pan carbon capture plans
