London, 10 May 2011

The Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) today welcomes the news that seven UK carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects have been submitted by the UK government to the European Commission to enter into the formal assessment process for the EU NER 300 funding competition.

The move puts the UK on track for European Union funding for carbon capture and storage projects located in the UK. Nine projects initially came forward to be entered by the UK government into the competition and the number that are now being formally submitted illustrates the commitment by industry to developing CCS in the UK and the high calibre of potential projects.  This shows that the UK is still well placed to remain a leader in the global deployment of CCS.

The Treasury has already committed up to £1 billion towards the first UK CCS project.  In addition, the coalition government has committed to supporting a further three CCS projects in the UK. The support of the EU to fund half of the costs of UK projects, if granted, would ease the financial burden on the Treasury while boosting the UK economy.

Dr Jeff Chapman, CEO of the CCSA, states: “There is a great need to get on with the selection of the four UK CCS projects and today’s news is a big step forward in that process. There is still a long road ahead but this is a very positive development and shows continued support by the UK Government in developing the CCS industry in the UK.

“The next stage will require swift organisation by the Government to move forward and identify the projects it will support to enable these projects to proceed with their development.”

The UK Government is expecting the European Commission to announce the results of the NER 300 competition in the second half of 2012.

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www.ccsassociation.org.uk