Banff and Buchan MP and Exchequer Secretary of Treasury underline commitment to Acorn Project
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Scottish Cluster partners have met with David Duguid MP and the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury amid calls for the acceleration of the government’s Track 2 CCUS process.
The Banff and Buchan MP, who has been a strong advocate for the Acorn Carbon Capture Storage and Hydrogen Project at St Fergus, arranged the meeting involving representatives from Storegga, Shell, SSE and INEOS at Westminster.
The team underlined the pivotal role of the Scottish Cluster in the UK’s decarbonisation objectives.
During the meeting, Mr Duguid said he was continuing to push for the acceleration of Track 2 and has asked government officials for clarity on timescales.
The Scottish Cluster representatives spoke of how this consenting support could allow Acorn to commence commercial operations in 2027.
They added that the project would support an average of 15,000 highly skilled jobs with total jobs expected to peak at 20,600 by 2031.
Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid said: “During the meeting, we all agreed and underlined the importance of the Scottish Cluster and the need for this to be accelerated as well as CCUS in general.
“The main aim of getting together was to ensure Treasury officials understood the value projects such as Acorn can have in meeting the UK Government’s net zero ambitions while stimulating significant growth and employment opportunities.
“I want to ensure the Scottish Cluster receives the support it needs and that we get clarity on the timeline and process that will be followed for Track 2.
“Achieving this will allow the Acorn Project to move forward with its aim of becoming operational in 2027.
“The Cluster partners gave an excellent presentation to the minister and I am confident that the UK Government’s commitment to CCUS remains strong.”
