Carbon capture plans on Cornwall’s stunning north coast have been scrapped following doubt over the chemical impact. The Planetary Technologies team had planned to release magnesium hydroxide near St Ives Bay, yet received backlash from local environment groups. The aim of the initiative was to monitor how the chemical affected ocean acidity and carbon dioxide levels.
However, the idea was fiercely opposed due to the uncertainty of the impact on wildlife and the environment. On Wednesday, Planetary Technologies announced that, after completing trial operations, they have “decided not to pursue a full programme in Cornwall”. On the company's website it said: "We worked with local utility South West Water and proposed the addition of a diluted form of the mineral magnesium hydroxide to the existing water flow at the water treatment plant in Hayle.”
They explained how the treated water was released just outside of St Ives Bay, with the goal of investigating whether adding an antacid to the ocean is a safe method of deacidifying seawater.
It continued: "Planetary has successfully completed its trial operations in Cornwall, UK, gathering valuable scientific data and insights.
"Although the trial demonstrated great potential, we have decided not to pursue a full programme in Cornwall due to commercial infeasibility.”
The company added that they are not currently conducting any other trials in the UK, however they remain steadfast in advancing science-led carbon removal.
A spokesperson for Planetary Technologies said: "Cornwall has played a meaningful role in our development, and we are deeply grateful to the local partners, community, and team members who have supported our mission."
Local St Ives MP Andrew George believes more research and “robust studies” need to be conducted before the release of chemicals into the environment. He said that “uncertainty” remained surrounding the impact on marine wildlife, and the studies undertaken had not satisfied the Cornwall Carbon Scrutiny Group.
He added that the decision was "good common sense for Cornwall, seals, safe seas and local economy".
