CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE PROGRAMME

That this House is concerned at the lack or urgency in advancing the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) programme; is aware that the first stage of the selection process has been completed and that four companies have been listed for further negotiation; is dismayed that a contract is unlikely to be placed before the autumn of 2009; considers that the export potential stemming from the UK's early lead in this important technology is ebbing away; is worried that the Draft Carbon Capture and Storage Directive tilts the playing field against coal, seriously threatening security of supply; and calls on the Department of Energy and Climate Change to ensure that gas plants do not receive more favourable treatment and to acknowledge the need for coal in the energy mix and urgently speed up the CCS demonstrator programme.