Scotland’s ambitious Acorn carbon capture project in Aberdeenshire faces growing uncertainty as key backer Storegga plans to sell its stake, raising questions about the nation’s role in fighting climate change. With site closures and funding hurdles piling up, experts debate if carbon capture and storage can still drive Scotland toward net zero by 2045.
What Is the Acorn Project?
The Acorn project aims to capture carbon dioxide from industrial sites and store it under the North Sea. Based in St Fergus, Aberdeenshire, it uses existing pipelines to transport emissions, making it a low-cost option for decarbonizing heavy industry.
Launched with high hopes, Acorn received initial UK government funding in 2023 and more support in 2025, including 200 million pounds confirmed by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. This cash was meant to protect around 18,000 jobs, especially in areas like Grangemouth.
Project leaders highlight its potential to store up to 20 million tonnes of CO2 per year by the 2030s. That equals removing emissions from millions of cars. Supporters say it builds on Scotland’s oil and gas expertise for a green transition.
Yet recent events have cast shadows. The North Sea Transition Authority opened a new licensing round in late 2025 for 14 storage sites, offering two gigatonnes of capacity. This could boost Acorn, but competition from English projects adds pressure.
Major Challenges Ahead
Technical issues in storage fields under the North Sea have slowed progress. Potential leaks or unstable rock formations worry regulators and investors.
Funding remains a big hurdle. While the UK government pledged support, policy uncertainty has investors on edge. A report from the Carbon Capture and Storage Association warns that delays could risk billions in investments across the UK.
Site closures hit hard. Grangemouth refinery shut down in 2025, and Mossmorran chemical plant will close soon after. These were key sources of emissions for capture, shrinking Acorn’s scope.
Storegga’s decision to sell its stake after a strategic review stunned many. As lead developer, its exit signals deeper troubles, though the company insists the project stays viable.
- Technical glitches in seabed storage sites delay timelines.
- Loss of major industrial emitters like Grangemouth reduces captured CO2 volumes.
- Funding gaps amid UK policy shifts scare off private investors.
- Competition from other UK carbon projects diverts resources.
Recent Developments and Reactions
In June 2025, the UK announced funding for Acorn as part of a spending review. This followed years of pleas from Scottish leaders, including former First Minister John Swinney, who committed 2 million pounds in 2024.
But by December 2025, news broke of Storegga’s pullout. Scottish Conservatives and SNP figures urged Prime Minister intervention, calling it a blow to net zero goals. Energy tycoon Sir Ian Wood echoed calls for action.
Posts on social media platforms show mixed sentiment. Many users praise Acorn’s job creation potential, while others doubt its effectiveness, labeling it a “delusional gamble” on unproven tech.
Environmental groups like Friends of the Earth Scotland criticize overreliance on carbon capture. They argue it distracts from cutting emissions at source, especially with no full plant built yet.
A strategic review by project partners insists Acorn can adapt. They point to new emitters joining, like power stations, to fill gaps left by closures.
Broader Impact on Scotland’s Net Zero Goals
Scotland aims for net zero by 2045, five years ahead of the UK. Carbon capture is key, expected to handle one-third of emissions cuts by 2040, per government plans.
Without Acorn, that target looks shaky. It could mean lost jobs in the North East, where energy transition promises 21,000 green roles. Economists warn of ripple effects on supply chains and local communities.
Globally, carbon capture grows. The US leads with projects like Petra Nova, storing millions of tonnes. Norway’s Longship initiative shows success in North Sea storage, offering lessons for Scotland.
| Key Carbon Capture Projects | Location | Status | Storage Capacity (Million Tonnes/Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn | Scotland | Facing challenges | Up to 20 |
| Northern Lights | Norway | Operational | 1.5 |
| Petra Nova | USA | Active | 1.4 |
| HyNet | England | In development | 10 |
This table compares Acorn to peers, highlighting its potential scale but current setbacks.
Experts suggest diversification. Pairing capture with hydrogen production or bioenergy could strengthen the case. Recent UK investments in similar tech, like a 2025 hydrogen hub in Aberdeen, tie into this.
Looking Forward
Optimists see recovery if a new buyer steps in for Storegga’s share. The project’s modular design allows scaling, and North Sea expertise gives an edge.
Pessimists fear collapse, pushing Scotland to rethink strategies. More focus on renewables, like wind and solar, might fill gaps if capture falters.
The second licensing round could unlock fresh sites, easing storage woes. With global CO2 levels hitting records in 2025, urgency grows for solutions like Acorn.
As debates rage, Scotland’s carbon capture future hangs in balance. Share your thoughts in the comments below or spread this article to join the conversation on climate action.
