Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Ian Taylor (Conservative). It was answered on Monday, 14 September 2009 on behalf of the South East Regional Grand Committee.

Carbon Capture and Storage

Question: I agree with the Minister on his positive statement about the importance of carbon capture and storage, particularly bearing in mind the recent comments about the possibility of energy shortages in the current decade. We are going to need more coal-fired power stations, and CCS will help. The Government are doing a lot on the research side, allegedly, but I am not sure that they have yet grasped the urgency of the issue, both for pre-combustion and post-combustion carbon capture. Will he work with his colleagues to speed up the process, and let us get some applications in rather than just some research?

Answer: We understand the urgency. I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his remarks on carbon capture and storage and nuclear power, which is an essential part of our mix as well. He will be aware that we have identified suitable sites for nuclear power stations. In this region, we have Dungeness, which is an existing facility. On all fronts, whether it is renewable, carbon capture and storage, nuclear or other means, it is important that we take decisions today to ensure that we have energy security for tomorrow.

Secondary information