The Government today set out how it will license the storage of carbon dioxide under the sea bed, following responses to its recent consultation on the geological storage of CO2. During the consultation, developers, industry bodies and other interested parties gave their view on potential plans for the broad structure of the proposed licensing system. This includes a proposal for having a license which would cover all phases of such developments. Publishing the Government's response to the consultation, Charles Hendry MP, Minister of State for Energy said: "Carbon capture and storage is essential for mitigating climate change while maintaining energy security. There is enough potential under the North Sea to store more than 100 years worth of carbon dioxide emissions from the UK's power fleet and we need to make the most of that. "I am pleased that investors and experts who will take this exciting and crucial technology forward are happy with our approach, and that we can take our next steps without delay". DECC will now lay the regulations in Parliament in order to comply with European rules on the underground storage of carbon dioxide and these will come into effect on 1 October.

Source: U.K. Department of Energy and Climate Change, Image: Freefoto.com