By Salma El-Sakka
Scottish ministers have approved a new gas-fired power station at Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups who accuse the government of climate hypocrisy. The 900-megawatt facility, proposed by SSE Thermal and Equinor, is slated to include carbon capture technology aimed at removing CO2 from emissions.
Campaigners Decry 'Climate Hypocrisy'
The consent was granted on the same day the Scottish Parliament debated climate change and climate justice. Katherine May, head of Oxfam Scotland, called the move a “startling act of climate hypocrisy,” arguing that leaders are “trapped in a fossil fuel fantasy where every new project is somehow sold as climate progress.” Caroline Rance, head of campaigns at Friends of the Earth Scotland, labeled the decision a “catastrophic failure” that will lock households into volatile fossil gas prices for decades.
Developers Tout Carbon Capture Technology
SSE Thermal and Equinor maintain that the plant will provide flexible, low-carbon electricity to support a renewables-led system. Finlay McCutcheon, managing director of SSE Thermal, welcomed the consent as an “important milestone” for the Peterhead Carbon Capture Power Station and a key anchor for the Scottish Carbon Capture and Storage Cluster.
Green MSP Warns of Fossil Fuel Lock-in
North East Scotland Green MSP Maggie Chapman said the existing Peterhead plant is already Scotland’s largest source of climate pollution. She argued the government should invest in renewable energy and green jobs rather than expand fossil fuel dependency based on “unproven, expensive carbon capture and storage schemes.”
Government Defends Decision
A Scottish Government spokesperson said ministers were satisfied that environmental impacts had been assessed, including cumulative effects. The decision letter notes that potential impacts on communities, nature, and cultural heritage were important considerations.
