Media Releases

Media Releases

UK’s pledge to net-zero target will require progress on carbon capture and storage

12th June 2019

The Global CCS Institute welcomes the UK Government’s announcement to introduce legislation to reach a net-zero target by 2050.  This is a historic moment for climate protection efforts as the UK becomes the first G7 economy to commit to this ambitious climate target. In light of this announcement, the 2008 Climate Change Act will be amended to include the new legally binding target.

The UK’s increased climate ambition will require a portfolio of climate measures, solutions and technologies. In its Clean Growth Strategy, the UK recognised the crucial role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in delivering its climate goals. The set of technologies can support the rapid decarbonisation of the UK economy, this while fostering economic growth opportunities.  Recently, the  UK Committee on Climate Change also recognised that a net-zero target will require important contributions from CCS in industry, for hydrogen production, combined with bioenergy (e.g. for power generation) and in flexible fossil-fired power generation, with up to 75-175 MtCO₂ captured and stored annually by 2050.

Welcoming the announcement, Guloren Turan, General-Manager, Advocacy and Communications at the Global CCS Institute, said: “The UK has a unique opportunity to lead on global climate efforts and be an early mover on CCS technologies.  The Government has set the ambition to deliver CCS at scale during the 2030s. Today’s announcement is an important step forward and creates a predictable path for  future climate policy. It is now essential to create the right framework and policies to drive the deployment innovative technologies like carbon capture and storage which have an important role to play in delivering these ambitious targets.”

There are currently six CCS facilities in development in the UK. These include Acorn CCS, Caledonia Clean Energy, HyNet North West, H21 North of England, Teesside Collective, and BECCS pilot plant at Drax Power Station. Several of these facilities also include hydrogen production.

More information about the UK Government’s approach to CCS here.

 

 

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