Royal Society: Coal stations must capture 90% of CO2
Coal-fired power stations must capture 90% of CO2 emissions, Royal Society says
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Friday, 04, Apr 2008 12:55
New coal-fired power stations should only get the go-ahead if they can capture 90 per cent of their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the Royal Society has said.
A letter from Royal Society president Professor Lord Martin Rees to business secretary John Hutton called for the government to give permission for new stations only on condition that the operating permits are withdrawn if they do not meet the CO2 target.
He added that progress towards developing carbon capture storage (CCS) must be a "priority" for the government.
His letter comes as the government is considering whether to give approval for a new coal-burning power station at Kingsnorth in Kent.
Building of such stations is controversial as they are said to have the potential to help the UK to meet energy demand but there are concerns about the impact of CO2 emissions.
Lord Rees said unabated CO2 emissions "pose unacceptable climate risks".
"Allowing any new coal-fired power station, such as Kingsnorth, to go ahead without a clear strategy and incentives for the development and deployment of CCS technology would send the wrong message about the UK's commitment to address climate change, both globally and to the energy sector," his letter said.
Lord Rees' added that there is an "excellent opportunity" for the UK to show international leadership on CCS and to help developing countries break the link between fossil fuel use and CO2 emissions.