Peak Cluster carbon capture pipeline faces criticism in Parliament over cost and environmental impact

A Cheshire MP has criticized the Peak Cluster carbon capture and storage pipeline project in Parliament, arguing its costs significantly outweigh the benefits. The proposed 200km pipeline would transport CO2 from cement and lime plants in the Peak District to storage in Morecambe Bay, passing through Cheshire and Wirral. Conservative MP Aphra Brandreth questioned the project's estimated 5 billion pound price tag and its reliance on future carbon pricing policies. Brandreth raised concerns about the impact on farmland, ancient woodlands, and rural communities along the route. She noted that while developers promise biodiversity net gains, the disruption to established landscapes would be irreversible. The MP also questioned safety protocols for CO2 pipelines and asked whether compulsory land purchases would be used. The debate highlights growing tensions between national decarbonization goals and local opposition to infrastructure projects.