E3G

Carbon Capture and Storage: Discussion in German Parliament

By Jennifer Morgan

6.) Of particular importance in energy and climate security policy are mandatory and ambitious minimum efficiency standards for key products and processes. These standards should be obligatory and dynamic, thus leading to a continued improvement in the energy performance of products.

7.) In order to scale up renewables as quickly as possible, proper policies need to be put in place including feed-in laws which can be adjusted over time as the price of renewables decreases.

8.) While some of the demand for the build can be managed by efficiency gains and some of the needed supply can be replaced by renewable sources, additional options will be required to stay below 2°C. Carbon capture and storage could likely supply another pathway.

Carbon capture and storage is a major plank of the IEA and others strategies, with CCS technologies contributing between 20% and 28% of total CO2 emission reductions below the Baseline Scenario by 2050. (‘Energy Technology Perspectives 2006, Scenarios and Strategies to 2050’ International Energy Agency) However, as the study identifies, the task is to combine all the demonstrated elements into an integrated full-scale demonstration plant. While on the one hand, it could provide an important transitional strategy that tackles CO2 and local pollutants, there are a number of unanswered questions that must be addressed as quickly as possible, especially leakage and biodiversity impacts. 

9.) Accelerated research is also required to increase options, eg concentrated solar and integrated pilot plants on carbon capture and storage. In the case of both, accelerated research is needed in both developed and developing countries to build a number of integrated full-scale CCS demonstration plants while ensuring that increased research funds are also available for renewable energy and energy efficiency.