Berlin to bolster CO2-removing coal plant technology Germany is set to increase its support for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. The federal cabinet approved on 19 September a package of measures to further research and development in the field, and gave the green light to the construction of pilot plants. 'Brown an... Germany is set to increase its support for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. The federal cabinet approved on 19 September a package of measures to further research and development in the field, and gave the green light to the construction of pilot plants. 'Brown and black coal will be indispensable energy sources for Germany in the medium-term, as renewable energies would not be able to cover basic consumption,' the Government said. 'However, future coal usage has to be reconciled with the need to protect the environment.' Carbon capture and storage technology has the potential to remove carbon dioxide from emissions at fossil-fuel power plants and production plants. Research has shown that emissions could be reduced by 75% to 90%. In theory, the CO2 captured will then be stored deep underground. Following the decision, the German Government said that the aim was to develop commercially viable products by 2020. In order for that goal to be attained, Berlin announced the creation of a legal framework for the development and testing of the technology. The current lack of laws outlining the requirements for CO2 storage and handling continues to be a stumbling block, as is funding. The Government also pointed out that highly efficient power plants are a prerequisite for the use of CCS. Therefore, old and inefficient plants all over the world will need to be replaced by modern ones. Coal-fired power stations are currently one of the biggest CO2 emitters. CCS technology is thus widely supported by policy makers, as well as energy firms. The European Commission has suggested making CCS obligatory for all new power plants after 2020. Up to 12 CCS testing facilities are due to be set up in Europe, and most European energy firms are already developing pilot plants: Vattenfall, for instance, is constructing a test plant in Germany, while RWE has announced plans to build a clean-coal power plant in the UK. Countries Germany
