Strategic Research Agenda - Zero Emissions Platform

Key Recommendations

Experts agree that CO₂ capture and storage technology (CCS), along with improved energy conversion efficiency, is a near-term solution to reducing CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel power generation on a massive scale. Its immediate deployment is vital if we are to avoid the catastrophic consequences of climate change we are facing today.

Despite most technology elements being available, CCS is still not deployed for two key reasons:

The costs and risks still outweigh the commercial benefits
The regulatory framework for CO₂ storage is not sufficiently defined

The Strategic Research Agenda describes a collaborative programme to reduce the costs and risks of deployment, while the Strategic Deployment Document outlines how to accelerate the market for zero-emission power production.

To this end, the Technology Platform for Zero Emission Fossil Fuel Power Plants (ZEP) recommends (under FP7):

1. Urgently implement 10–12 integrated, large-scale CCS demonstration projects Europe-wide

Improve the cost-effectiveness and availability of current CO₂ capture technologies
Optimise energy conversion efficiency when integrated into a power plant, and bring technologies to commercial readiness by 2020
Assess the full potential for CO₂ geological storage, demonstrate safety to the public, and address public concerns
Resolve technological uncertainties and establish a critical mass of data for exploitation in parallel R&D projects

2. Develop new concepts already identified but not validated, for demonstration by 2010–2015 and implementation beyond 2020

Advanced new materials and combustion systems
Storage in onshore deep saline aquifers
CO₂ for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) in the North Sea

3. Support long-term exploratory R&D into advanced, innovative concepts for next-generation technology

Innovative CO₂ capture technologies (e.g., membranes, adsorption)
Innovative concepts for CO₂ storage
Simple, reliable tools for long-term modelling and monitoring of CO₂ storage

4. Maximise cooperation at national, European, and international levels

Mobilise national and European funding; explore new mechanisms such as Joint Technology Initiatives for launching large integrated projects
Promote international cooperation, especially with emerging countries such as China and India

5. Strengthen and accelerate R&D priorities to support the Strategic Deployment Document

Align priorities with insights from demonstration projects and parallel R&D on advanced, innovative concepts