The chief executive of the controversial Peak Cluster gas pipeline project has insisted the scheme "will not be unsafe", despite persistent safety concerns among residents along its proposed route through Wirral.
Dave Parkin, CEO of Peak Cluster, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that while he "completely understands concerns", the safety records for similar projects are "absolutely exemplary".
Project details and local opposition
The proposed Peak Cluster project would transport carbon dioxide from lime and cement manufacturing sites in Derbyshire and Staffordshire off-shore for storage under the Irish Sea, via the Wirral peninsula. Developers point to the millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions that would be saved each year, but residents and local politicians continue to raise environmental and safety concerns.
Mr Parkin spoke to the LDRS as a new round of consultation on the project was launched. He stressed that consultations "are not box ticking exercises", noting that previous submissions led to changes to the project's plans.
Reduced footprint in Wirral
The previous consultation window resulted in the Wirral leg of the project being significantly reduced. Updated plans for Wirral now include a smaller above ground installation (AGI) covering an area around 80m x 80m, and a block valve station (BVS) of around 25m x 25m. Combined, the area required in Wirral for this infrastructure represents a reduction of more than 85% from the originally planned compressor station. The planned chimney has also been reduced to a maximum height of 10m, from the originally proposed 50m.
Wirral Council has been vocal in its objection to the plans. However, as the project is considered nationally significant infrastructure, planning permission would be granted by the secretary of state, not the local council.
Decision-making process and climate goals
Addressing the fact that the decision affecting Wirral will be made elsewhere despite local objections, Mr Parkin said: "I do understand the argument which says that is undemocratic." He added: "This is the process we go through for nationally significant infrastructure. Whether it's a new airport, a motorway, or a pipeline, planning permission is granted by the secretary of state. I can't affect that and Wirral Council can't affect that."
He emphasised that "communities still have a very real voice in this process". Mr Parkin said he believes the "why" is often lost in the discussion, telling the LDRS: "Fundamentally, this is a climate project. The weather which this planet is now facing is horrendous. We've had the hottest summer we've ever had, and it's forecast to get worse so the UK and other countries around the world need to take bold action and that is what this project is."
Consultation events and timeline
A new consultation event will take place in Port Sunlight's Hulme Hall on December 3, with an online webinar on November 23. The consultation runs from November 12 to December 18, seeking feedback on refinements to the project's proposed boundary, the area for permanent infrastructure including the buried pipeline, and the locations of above ground installations, block valve stations and temporary construction areas and access roads in most locations.
