ExxonMobil have pointed the finger at the government in a statement following the decision to abandon plans for an Isle of Wight fuel pipeline. 

It was announced today by New Forest East MP Julian Lewis that ExxonMobil has scrapped its proposal to transport CO2 from Fawley to a “carbon capture” storage site beneath the England Channel.

Two of the three proposed pipelines would have been in the West Wight.

In a statement to the County Press, an ExxonMobil spokesperson confirmed that the multinational oil and gas corporation will not proceed with the plan.

The spokesperson said a “continued lack of government policy certainty and timelines” played a large role in ExxonMobil’s decision.

The statement reads: ‘’As a result of the continued lack of government policy certainty and timelines, ExxonMobil will not proceed with the appraisal of CO2 storage opportunities in the English Channel and associated transportation at this time.

‘’Our major investment decisions are informed by several factors, including the policy, fiscal and market environment. 

“Over the past three years, we have made sustained efforts with UK government to secure this certainty and enable the large-scale investment required and will maintain collaboration to address the necessary factors.”

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The decision also follows huge public backlash on the Isle of Wight, including the council’s decision to oppose the ExxonMobil proposal - spearheaded by councillors Nick Stuart and Claire Critchison. 

Islanders flocked to sign an online petition against the plan, which would have seen millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas dumped underground.

The ExxonMobil spokesperson added: ‘’We are committed to reducing emissions from our operated assets and continue to evaluate a range of emission reductions solutions that can deliver meaningful CO2 emissions reductions.’’