SCCS Recommendations and Conference 2013 Executive Summary - Unlocking North Sea CO2 Storage for Europe: Practical actions for the next five years

Abstract

CARBON dioxide emissions are the major cause of climate change: that is unequivocal. To limit the effects, we must reduce the amount of fossil carbon combusted and emitted as CO . Carbon capture and storage 2 (CCS) is the only technology that directly reduces emissions at source, and enables countries to manage carbon budgets for both power plants and process industries. The next five years will be crucial in putting CCS back into position as an enabler of Europe's transition to a low-carbon economy. Practical actions must be combined with durable policy drivers to rebuild confidence and attract investment. This will be essential for large-scale emissions reductions from both industry and power generation to 2030 and 2050 as Europe seeks to manage climate risk, retain jobs and improve its low-carbon competitiveness. The North Sea is the largest CO2 storage resource in Europe, and offers the ideal location for immediate efforts. By using low-cost available CO2 from industrial sources, Europe can accelerate the development of enabling infrastructures for CO2 transport and storage. The following six recommendations set out steps that can be taken now to help unlock North Sea CO2 storage for Europe.