22 Nov 2007 07:11:35
China and UK launch joint carbon project
A partnership between the UK and China to use carbon capture and storage technology has been launched.
The Near Zero Emission Coal project uses carbon sequestration, which sees the CO2 generated by coal-fired power stations captured and pumped underground, where it cannot contribute to climate change.
It is hoped that the project, which is being sponsored by the British and Chinese governments, will lead to the creation of a near-zero emissions facility in China by 2014.
China''s economy is expanding rapidly and the country built 90 gigawatts of coal capacity last year alone - more than the whole world''s total renewable energy capacity.
Speaking at the project''s launch ceremony, Britain''s deputy ambassador to China, Barbara Woodward, said: "Developed countries should take the lead in cutting emissions and build teamwork with developing countries to tackle climate change," China Daily reports.
Gordon Brown recently described carbon capture and storage as "a vital new technology in reducing carbon emissions around the world".
