Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)
Background
Carbon capture and storage is a technique for removing carbon dioxide produced by industrial processes from the air, compressing it, and storing it deep underground. This lowers greenhouse gas emissions. If carbon dioxide from industrial emissions is used to make chemicals, minerals, plastics or fuels, this is called carbon capture, utilisation and storage.
The UK and Scottish Governments, as well as the independent Climate Change Committee all support carbon capture and storage as a part of the roadmap to achieving net zero. However, in October 2021, the 'Scottish cluster' (centred around former oil and gas workings in the North Sea) was not one of the two clusters earmarked for initial UK Government funding and support. Instead, it was placed on a reserve list.
On carbon capture and utilisation, there are a mixture of views on the type and scale of role it can play in the transition to net zero.
Timetable
14 December 2021
The Committee took evidence from: Erik Dalhuijsen, Director, Ocean Valley Ltd; Professor Stuart Haszeldine, Professor of Carbon Capture and Storage, School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh; Colin Pritchard, Energy Business Manager, INEOS; Alan James, Chief Technology Officer, Storegga; Mike Tholen, Director of Sustainability, Oil & Gas UK.
1 February 2022
The Committee considered draft correspondence arising from its evidence sessions on 14 and 21 December 2021.
22 March 2022
The Committee considered further written evidence from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Manchester and considered next steps in relation to scrutiny.
29 March 2022
The Committee continued its consideration of draft letters on carbon capture, utilisation and storage to the Scottish and UK governments.
Read the Convener's letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Scottish Government (227KB, pdf) posted 30 March 2022
Read the Convener's letter to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, UK Government (225KB, pdf) posted 30 March 2022