Parliament sends a 'clear message' to commission on CCS

On January 14, during parliament's plenary, MEPs voted on Chris Davies' own initiative report on carbon capture and storage. The purpose of this report was to send a message to the commission to the effect that it should put forward fresh proposals in support of the development of this technology. Parliament's message is clear.

CCS has a role to play in Europe in the transition towards a low carbon economy: a role both in the generation of fossil fuel-based energy in the countries where this is considered necessary, as well as in such industrial sectors as steel, metallurgy and the cement industry.

We have learned from the errors and limitations of current financing mechanisms and the commission must come up with new ideas. Member states must be involved without fail in the development of full-scale pilot projects which will give an indication as to the cost and potential of CCS.

[pullquote]Europe has lagged behind in the development of a technology which can play a key role in the reduction of emissions in such countries as China, the US and India[/pullquote] .

The commission must take due note of this report and, as announced by climate action commissioner Connie Hedegaard in the plenary debate, come up with new proposals as well as an amended directive.

The will to create a favourable legal and financial framework to attract private investment in the establishment of the CCS does exist. The tools are on the table, it is time for the member states to use them.