Press release
CCS shouldn't be seen as alternative to clean British energy
3 April 2012
Commenting on today's (Tuesday 3 April) launch of a new Carbon Capture and Storage competition by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Friends of the Earth's Head of Campaigns Andrew Pendleton said:
"If it can be proven on an industrial scale, CCS technology could play a role in cutting carbon from electricity generation and heavy industrial processes.
"But the Government needs to get its act together. Today's CCS news is welcome, but the rollout of CCS was made much harder by the recent announcement that new gas-fired power stations built in the next few years will not require CCS until 2045.
"CCS shouldn't be seen as an alternative to real clean British energy from the wind, sea and sun - it will need costly Government funding, raising people's bills and keeping us hooked on expensive fossil fuels.
"The Government still needs to set its sights on a renewable energy future, which will create jobs and lower fuel bills in the long run."
Notes to editors:
1. For more than 40 years we've seen that the wellbeing of people and planet go hand in hand - and it's been the inspiration for our campaigns. Together with thousands of people like you we've secured safer food and water, defended wildlife and natural habitats, championed the move to clean energy and acted to keep our climate stable. Be a Friend of the Earth - see things differently.
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Apr 2012
