When it comes to the new technology of carbon capture, British firms look set to be in the forefront of developments as the world’s use of power is set to increase by 50% by 2030.

Carbon capture is effectively a get-out-of-jail-free card for many traditional industries that have become impractical due to their carbon foot print. Basically, it involves capturing the generated waste from the process and either neutralsing it, or storing it so that it will not be allowed to escape into the environment.

Take coal-powered stations. The government has given the go-ahead for new plants throughout the U.K., but on the condition that they are fitted with carbon capturing equipment.

British firms will not only benefit from developing and manufacturing such systems, but also from the financial, marketing, consulting and legal support the industry needs.

The value of the carbon capture market in 2007 and 2008 was nearly £14 billion. The British share was low at less than 1% (around £500 million), but this is set to grow rapidly as governments worldwide begin to embrace the technology with new legislation and funds. By 2015, the sector is expected to have grown by 15%.

It is predicted by The International Energy Agency that the world will increase its use of power by 50% by 2030 and of that, nearly 80% will still come from fossil fuels. Carbon capture, say recent reports, will capture up to 90% of the harmful emissions, but the problem is that the only two work-in-progress demonstrations, one in France and the other in Germany, are struggling to be finished.

Carbon capture experts are dismayed that the government’s procrastination with the technology has led to many companies not being able to commit money to creating workable, large scale plants.

They see the U.K. Government’s announcement that no new coal power stations will be built without carbon capture technology that can initially work at 25% efficiency, and 100% efficiency by 2025, will considerably help the fledgling industry.

There are various carbon capture techniques. One of the most popular is the capture of the carbon and its removal by pipes to a huge storage facility. Empty oil and gas fields have been mooted as the home for unwanted carbon.

Guest Article by Neil Camp

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