MINISTERS today set out their vision for Scotland to lead the world in using new technology to reduce carbon emissions.
• The UK's first carbon capture and storage unit was commissioned at Longannent Power Station last year
A carbon capture and storage "roadmap" was published detailing aspirations to develop demonstration projects, attract outside support and identify skills and training.
The process takes carbon emissions from power plants before they reach the atmosphere. The gas, blamed for contributing to man-made climate change, is then stored underground in locations such as depleted gas and oil reservoirs.
Energy Minister Jim Mather said: "Scotland has all the attributes to become a world leader in carbon capture.
"The North Sea alone has enough capacity to store emissions from industrial coal-fired plants for the next 200 years – a capacity greater than Netherlands, Denmark and Germany combined."
The 41-page document was published jointly by Scottish Government and economic development body Scottish Enterprise. It describes "key actions", including a desire to lower carbon emissions.
The paper identifies a "massive market opportunity" for Scottish companies, with more than 23,000 fossil fuel-powered stations in use worldwide.
In order to meet targets in climate change legislation, the Government wants carbon-free electricity generation by 2030. To meet that target, carbon capture and storage should be on a commercial scale by 2020, the document states.
Mr Mather said: "Scotland already has elements of the required onshore and offshore infrastructure, and our skills in the oil, gas and engineering industries can be utilised to help the industry grow and develop.
"As a hugely important technology in the fight against climate change, carbon capture and storage offers Scotland a fantastic platform for low carbon economic growth."
