UK & Norway sign CO2 deal

Friday 02 December 2005

The UK and Norway have signed an agreement this week that could lead to carbon emissions being stored in the North Sea. Both governments will embark on research into sequestration, injection and storage of CO2 in depleted oil fields beneath the sea.

"This technology could cut the level of CO2 emissions from power stations by up to 90%,” explained Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks. “It is estimated that we have the capacity under the UK Continental Shelf to store our total carbon emissions for decades to come. The UK, Norway and surrounding North Sea rim countries have tremendous potential for injection and permanent storage of CO2 waste which will go a long way to help us cut harmful emissions.”

The idea has become an increasingly viable option to the UK government in order to slash emissions for international and voluntary targets. A £40m investment into research for the method was announced back in June.

"It is interesting to note that while the North Sea's resources have provided us with significant benefits over recent decades, it now also has the potential to provide a solution to help mitigate the harmful effects of carbon emissions,” added Mr. Wicks.

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