http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/by-technology/energy-efficiency-by-technology-renewable-energy-news/uk-government-opens-ccs-demo-projects.html

The UK government is to allow the second round of carbon capture and storage demonstration projects up to gas-fired, as well as coal-fired power stations.

The news comes as Chris Huhne, Energy and Climate Change Secretary embarks on a three-day trade mission to China to discuss energy security and climate change strategies and the UK’s Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) releases a new business plan.
The three demo projects will follow the initial installation that the government recently announced had secured funding despite the cutbacks made as part of its Spending Review.
Huhne said it was opening the funding process to what could be one of the first ever commercial-scale CCS projects in a gas-fired plant in the world.
‘The UK looks set to rely on gas for years to come,’ he said. ‘We won’t be able to take the carbon out of all gas plants overnight, but we hope to support the process by investment in new technology now,’ Huhne said.
He said the move should ensure the UK is a leader in the development of this technology, which has in the past gained difficulty attracting investment due to it being relatively unproven at scale, in both the gas and coal sectors.
‘I want to be clear that this does not mean that we are imposing the same emission constraints on gas-fired power plants as on coal in the short or medium term, and want to encourage companies to come forward with potential projects,’ Huhne said.
The UK government has committed to funding four commercial-scale CCS projects and recently announced up to £1bn will be made available for the first commercial-scale project.
Huhne has accompanied UK Prime Minister David Cameron this week as part of the largest ever Ministerial Delegation to the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases.
‘My visit this week aims to ensure that China and the UK can build a strong partnership as we face common challenges together,’ he said.
Hopes are the trip will reinvigorate the UK-China dialogue on both energy security and strategies to fight climate change.
Under the new DECC business plan released today, the government said its reform priorities will deliver secure energy on the way to a low carbon future.
In addition, it will target energy saving through the Green Deal, specifically designed to support vulnerable customers and drive ambitious action on climate change within the UK and abroad.
In particular, DECC said it will work for international action to tackle climate change and work with other government departments.