UK CO2 plant to reopen amid fears Iran war could lead to shortage

Teesside site mothballed in September given £100m by government to restart production for at least three months

A shuttered carbon dioxide plant is to reopen on Teesside with £100m of government investment in response to fears the war in Iran could trigger shortages of the gas that multiple industries rely on.

The business secretary, Peter Kyle, has approved the reopening of the Ensus plant to help bolster production of CO₂, which has uses ranging from carbonating drinks and keeping food fresh to medical procedures and the sedating of animals for slaughter.