GREAT store is being placed on coal-fired plant, not just in the UK, but also in other countries such as the US and China.
So-called “clean coal” is obviously an improvement on existing technology. But is the current UK Government really prepared to allow completely new coal-fired builds, bearing in mind that the best that can be done for now and some time ahead is that they be carbon-capture equipment-ready.
The various technological solutions being worked on around the world are not yet commercial – cleaning up cola-fired plant is proving a tough nut to crack.
It turned out that DECC has changed its approach to that of its predecessor department, BERR. Building plant capable of accepting abatement technology sockets is no longer sufficient as far as Miliband is concerned.
“That’s not our plan. That was the predecessor department, but I’ve changed that. Our coal conditions, which I believe are the same as those being adopted by the Scottish Executive (Government), are that any new-build must have a proportion that is not carbon-capture ready but has carbon capture fitted from the outset.
“In the case of pre-combustion, that’s going to be 100%; for post-combustion, it will be more like 25%. And then we said that, in the 2020-25 period, any new coal-fired power station will have to fit CCS 100%, potentially supported by the levy that we’re taking through parliament.
“So we have a clear plan in relation to coal. We’ve set an end to unabated coal-fired stations. I think that’s the right thing to do.
“It’s the most environmentally ambitious policy of any country in the world and sends a clear signal about the fact that we are determined to demonstrate and make CCS work. Frankly, if we don’t solve the problem of coal, we’re not going to solve the problem of climate change.”
Does this mean Miliband is “reasonably assured” that with what is on the drawing board around the world and in this country that this ambition is achievable, bearing in mind the still lack of matured abatement technologies?
“What needs to be done is incredibly ambitious. If you look at the International Energy Agency road map, there are a huge number of carbon capture and storage projects, but we are determined to do our bit.
“At Copenhagen, we will also need the finance that will make possible CCS in developing countries as well, because everyone needs to move forward on this.”
Recommended for you
