Carbon Capture & Storage
Environmental groups on both sides of the Atlantic are currently grappling with the concept of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). This new technology has the potential to offer significant emission reductions, and offer a bridge allowing us to continue to use fossil fuels in a reduced carbon world. In both the US and EU, however, civil society is struggling to identify appropriate positions on this new technology, what potential impacts might be and what regulatory systems must be put in place to control it.
At present demonstration projects are ongoing in both Europe and the US. There are also attempts being made to rapidly develop the policy frameworks for managing this technology and dealing with the uncertainties associated with its development.
A transatlantic dialogue on CCS could enable lessons to be drawn more broadly in terms of how to deal with new and uncertain technologies. Additionally, by addressing the issue of standards for ensuring the environmental and socio-economic quality of development, there are parallels to be drawn with the biofuel debate. It will also be discussed how CCS and the continued use of coal can be dealt with politically.
Publications
For further details see T-PAGE Publications.