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£9bn EU CCS scheme proposed

A €12 billion (£9.8 billion) proposal for developing technology to drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and other heavy-emitting industries has been put forward.

The European Technology Platform for Zero Emission Fossil Fuel Power (ZEP) unveiled its report for the rapid development of a network of carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration plants across Europe.

CCS involves capturing carbon, liquefying it and then pumping it underground into depleted oil and gas fields or saline aquifers.

According to Dr Graeme Sweeney, ZEP chairman, CCS has the potential of cutting the EU's carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40 million tonnes a year by 2030.

He said: "It is widely accepted that CCS is one of the key solutions for combating climate change - while building a bridge to a truly sustainable energy system."

Mr Sweeney added: "As a result, it is imperative that CCS receives the support and structure required to become a commercial reality and realize its potential."

The UK government has also set up a scheme to develop CCS, with ScottishPower, E.On and Peel Power bidding to build a demonstration plant in the UK.

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