CCS should be fitted for new gas-fired power stations
August 24, 2009
Executives from a number of leading energy companies are arguing that new gas-fired power stations should be subject to the same carbon capture and storage (CCS) fitment requirements as new coal-fired plants.
As a result of the government's current CCS fitment policy, it is likely that only a handful of the coal powered plants qualifying for financial support to fit the technology will be built, leaving a potential generation gap. The executives are concerned that this will bring about a surge in the construction of new gas-fired plants. Given that the gas-fired power stations are not at present required to bury their carbon emissions, there is a worry that this will create an uneven playing field. The experts are making the point that, in order to decarbonise electricity properly, there needs to be a consistent rule which applies to everybody.
There is recognition, however, amongst power-generating companies, and also by the Government, that CCS will have to be fitted to gas-fired stations eventually. For the time being, coal-powered electricity generation is regarded as priority for CCS fitment because it produces more emissions.
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