The key findings of the report are:

–          CCS can play a vital role in helping the UK meet its statutory target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. It has been estimated that without CCS, the cost of meeting this target will rise by EUR 36-48bn (£30-40bn) per year.

–          Inclusion of CCS in the mix of low-carbon technologies would result in a 15% reduction in wholesale electricity prices – leading to an average cut in household bills of EUR 98 (£82) a year.

–          Each new-build CCS power plant would generate between 1,000 and 2,500 jobs in construction, with a further 200-300 jobs in operation, maintenance and the associated supply chain.

–          CCS could help the UK to retain existing industries, such as coal and gas power generation, and support vital energy-intensive industries (such as chemicals, steel and cement manufacture) which employ 800,000 people directly and in supply chains.

–          The total economic benefits of CCS could reach EUR 2.4-4.8bn (£2-4bn) per year by 2030.

Following the publication the CCSA’s Dr. Luke Warren said: “Respected international and UK organisations agree that without CCS in the mix, costs of meeting climate change targets will rise significantly. We have gone further in this report to show that the cost savings from CCS have a real impact on the average UK household – increasing their disposable income and reducing the risk of fuel poverty.”

Secretary general of TUC Frances O’Grady also commented, saying: “Our depleted North Sea gas and oilfields make the UK one of the best areas in the world to exploit CCS technology. But without stronger government backing the UK risks losing its competitive advantage and all the jobs and economic activity that CCS could bring.”

“The Economic Benefits of CCS in the UK” is a summary of a longer study entitled “A UK Vision for Carbon Capture and Storage”. Both can be found here.