Lyon: Longannet takes next step in reaching CCS potential

5.21.35pm GMT Fri 12th Mar 2010

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has welcomed the news that Longannet Power Station in Fife has been selected as one of the UK's two sites for development of carbon capture and storage technology (CCS).

CCS offers the potential for curbing CO2 emissions from fossil fuel power plants and major industrial installations. Instead of being released into the atmosphere, it is intended that CO2 shall be captured and then piped for permanent storage in rocks deep underground that formerly contained natural gas or oil.

Mr Lyon, who last year launched his European election campaign from Longannet Power Station, commented:

"When I launched my European election campaign from Longannet last May, I said that Scotland has the potential to lead the world CCS technology. I am thrilled that today we have taken the first step to realising that goal.

"Developing nations like India and China are fuelling the growth of their economies with coal. That is a huge potential market that Scotland can tap in to in order to help our economy prosper.

"Scotland's key role in the development of renewables remains vital to our energy future, but we will not combat climate change without the use of CCS.

"With the support of local MP Willie Rennie, who has championed Longannet's CCS potential from the outset, Scottish Power can look forward to the next stage of the process with confidence."