Home / Business and Economy / UK Reopens CO2 Plant Amid War Fears
UK Reopens CO2 Plant Amid War Fears
26 Mar
Summary
- UK government grants £100 million to reopen mothballed CO2 plant.
- Reopening aims to secure vital CO2 supply disrupted by global conflict.
- Fears of wider oil and gas shortages loom within weeks.
A mothballed carbon dioxide plant in Teesside is set to reopen with a significant government grant of up to £100 million. This intervention comes amid growing fears of supply shortages, exacerbated by ongoing global conflicts. The Ensus plant, which produces CO2 as a vital by-product, was previously closed due to economic factors but will now be revived for an initial three-month period.
The reopening addresses disruptions to CO2 supply, which is critical for sectors including the drinks industry and nuclear power. Soaring energy costs impacting other production sources have also contributed to the supply chain issues. This grant represents the UK government's first major effort to counter potential shortages linked to international conflicts.
Beyond CO2, broader concerns about oil and gas availability have been raised by industry experts, who suggest shortages could emerge within weeks. Despite these warnings, ministers maintain that petrol supplies remain reliable and the government is not planning for rationing or blackouts. The situation remains tense as international diplomatic efforts continue.
