Institution wants Whitehall clarity over carbon capture strategy

29 October 2009

The Government must provide a clear road map for the widespread deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology for the UK in order to meet ambitious emission targets, according to a new report by the Institution of Civil Engineers.

CCS has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 80-90%, and has been identified as playing a key role in meeting the UK’s looming emissions targets.

However, progress has stalled in recent years, with continued uncertainty about how it will be funded and the lack of a coherent regulatory framework.

ICE vice president, Geoff French, said: ‘We have the skills and expertise to deliver global solutions. All we’re waiting on is for the Government to take the lead and provide the steps to get us there.

‘In the current climate, there is no incentive for utility providers to sink billions of pounds into projects which have no certain future.’

The ICE report features papers from six leading experts on different aspects of CCS, including regulation, storage, transportation, investment, pre and post-combustion alternatives and its role in creating a low carbon society.

The report recommends the clustering of carbon dioxide capture plants to make the best use of transport and storage solutions.

• UK lagging in global race to capture carbon

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