Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to reveal a significant investment in a carbon capture project that could potentially generate up to 21,000 jobs in Scotland. Tomorrow, Sunak will travel to

Aberdeenshire to unveil the funding details for the Acorn project, a joint venture involving Shell UK and other companies, which aims to utilize existing oil and gas infrastructure for carbon transportation and storage.

During the week, Sunak, along with Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps, will also hold meetings with prominent figures from the oil and gas, renewable, and nuclear industries.

This announcement comes after Rishi Sunak faced criticism and questions, with concerns raised about a perceived softening of the UK Government's commitment to key net-zero policies and environmental promises. Notably, London's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) caused controversy, contributing to the Conservative Party's victory in the Uxbridge by-election.

Despite climate campaigners' alarm, the government remains committed to new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea.

The Acorn project's objective is to use existing oil and gas infrastructure to transport captured carbon safely to permanent geological storage. The scheme is reportedly funded through a £20 billion allocation from the carbon capture and storage (CCS) budget.

Insiders have suggested that Sunak's announcement could be a game-changer in Scotland, a region expected to be a significant battleground in the upcoming general election. This move is seen as an attempt to create clear distinctions with the SNP and Labour, asserting that the Conservative Party is committed to job creation.

Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, efforts to revive nuclear energy in the UK are gaining traction. Energy security is now regarded as a matter of national security.

The Acorn project has the backing of Storegga, the project developer, and is ready to commence work once government approval is granted.

In response to criticisms from the opposition, Shadow international trade secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds pointed out the government's record on energy security, while Friends of the Earth's climate coordinator, Jamie Peters, advocated for increased investment in renewables and energy efficiency to ensure long-term security and economic prosperity.

Sunak's announcement marks the commencement of the government's 'energy week.' Photo by David Smith, Wikimedia commons.