An initiative to produce energy from coal with low carbon dioxide emissions has been launched.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Defra, has launched an initiative to produce energy from low carbon dioxide emissions as part of a joint UK–China project.

The Near Zero Emissions Coal Initiative (NZEC) aims to build capacity for carbon capture and storage technology in coal-fired power stations.

Using carbon capture and storage – capturing the carbon in fossil fuels, such as CO2, before or after combustion and storing it in geological formations – has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from large coal-fired sources by around 85%.

According to the government department, predictions show that the role of coal as a primary energy resource is set to rise 2% by 2030

Hilary Benn, UK Environment Secretary, commented on the initiative: “Today’s NZEC launch demonstrates the strong working relationship which exists between China and the UK. Developing carbon capture and storage is vital if we are going to tackle climate change.”

Defra and BERR (the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) have supported the initiative with up to £3.5 million of funding. For more information about the project, visit www.nzec.info.