The two Governments released a joint statement laying out how they will work together to research and develop the technology which can capture up to 90% of the CO2 emissions produced from fossil fuels used to generate electricity and in industrial processes. (scroll down for full statement)

The statement also builds on the measures already undertaken by both countries in increasing the application of low-carbon technologies.

The agreement comes after the world’s first large-scale power sector CCS project – the Boundary Dam Integrated Carbon Capture and Sequestration Demonstration Project in Canada – became operational in October this year.

It is widely believed that CCS could be one of the most economical technologies for decarbonising UK power and reducing emissions at the same time as making it possible to keep fossil fuels in the UK’s electricity mix.

Advancing technology

Hancock said: “Carbon capture and storage could help us tackle climate change. I welcome the fact that the UK and Canada will be working together to advance the technology.

“Our agreement is an important step forward for the carbon capture and storage sector, and I look forward to further UK-Canada cooperation.”

In May this year, the Energy and Climate Change Committee (ECCC) released a report suggesting that CCS is ‘vital’ to limiting climate change and the technology must be fast-tracked for use in UK power stations within the next 12 months.

Earlier this month, the Global CCS Institute released a report – The Global Status of CCS 2014 – which argues that policymakers must do more to limit an increase in CO2 emissions through the development of CCS projects across a wider range of global industries and regions.

In its report the Global CCS Institute states: “Although much has been invested in advancing capture technology development over the past decades, it is likely that more could have been achieved faster through broader coordination, collaboration and knowledge sharing.”

Joint statement from Canada and the UK concerning carbon capture and storage

Lois Vallely

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