Activists take government to High Court for LNG project: The Environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth has taken legal action towards the government.
Activists are hoping to stop $1.15 (£870m) of backing for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambique.
The claim, taken to Judicial Review by the group will investigate the government’s decision to authorise financing for the project by way of its export credit agency, UK Export Finance (UKEF), as approved by the Treasury.
A new study by Friends of the Earth predicted that the project can emit as much as 4.5 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases throughout its lifetime.
That is in excess to the combined annual emissions of all 27 EU countries, the authors of the report said.
“It’s only right the door’s blown wide open on this dirty investment. The UK needs to recognise its historic contribution to the crisis we’re now in by helping countries on the frontline, like Mozambique, make that all important transition to renewable energy for all.
Rachel Kennerley, International Climate Campaigner from Friends of the Earth announced, “By ending its support for all fossil fuels, including gas, the government can be known for something other than climate hypocrisy.”
A spokesperson announced: “TotalEnergies EP Mozambique Area 1 Limitada, in its capacity of operator of Mozambique LNG Project, & Moz LNG1 Financing Company Limited are named as interested parties to a judicial review initiated by Friends of the Earth UK in September 2020 before the High Court of Justice.
“The claimant seeks to challenge the UK Government’s decision of July 2020 to provide export finance, by way of guarantees & loans up to $1.15 billion (£870m), to the project to enable the development of facilities in Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique that permit the exploitation of reserves of natural gas discovered in 2010.
“TotalEnergies EP Mozambique Area 1 Limitada & Moz LNG1 Financing Company Limited are supporting the UK Government’s decision to finance this project and are not in the position to comment on a pending judicial case where they are not the Defendant.
“They recall however the strong support of the Mozambican government to this project, which is a fundamental part of the country energy plan.”
Activists take government to High Court for LNG project
