SCOTLAND would have carbon capture technology if it was in the EU, the SNP have said.
Despite Scotland's huge carbon capture potential, there are currently no operational projects anywhere in the country or the UK, but there are 12 operational sites across Europe.
The SNP say this shows Scotland is being "left behind while European countries deliver the technology at scale".
Figures from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre also show there are almost 200 planned carbon capture sites across Europe while Scotland's proposed site, Acorn, remains stuck after years of delay.
The Acorn carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) project at St Fergus in Aberdeenshire aims to capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial facilities and power plants, transporting them offshore to be permanently stored in depleted gas fields beneath the North Sea.
SNP MSP Karen Adam said: "Scotland is perfectly placed to become a European leader in carbon capture, but just like on oil and gas, we are being badly let down by the UK Government.
"While European countries are forging a path ahead creating skilled jobs in the industries of the future, Scotland is still waiting for the UK Government to get this key project off the ground.
"The contrast could not be clearer – across Europe, carbon capture is becoming a reality, but here it remains stuck in a permanent pattern of delay and betrayal.
“It is hard not to believe if we were part of the EU, with the investment that brings, that our location and proximity to European offshore energy supply would be recognised and CCUS delivered.
“This is yet more proof that the only way to bring Scotland in line with our European neighbours is to put Scotland's energy in Scotland's hands with the full powers of independence.”
The Acorn project plans to reuse existing oil and gas infrastructure, notably pipelines that already run from St Fergus out to former drilling sites.
It missed out on support in 2021, when funding instead went to two areas in the north of England.
It was placed on the Track 2 reserve list for future backing, which meant it had little chance of being developed until the second phase in the 2030s at the earliest.
Last year though, then-UK energy secretary Ed Miliband pledged £200m to develop the site.
But the project ran into issues last December when one of the co-owners, Storegga, put its 30% stake up for sale.
