ScottishPower, Shell U.K., and National Grid Establish Consortium to Develop U.K.'s First Commercial Size Carbon Capture and Sequestration Project

Shell U.K. and Britain's National Grid company have joined ScottishPower's efforts to develop the U.K.'s first commercial-sized carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project.

Led by ScottishPower, the three firms will submit a bid for the U.K.'s carbon capture and sequestration competition. The British government is aiming to develop four "clean" coal-fired power stations that will use the technology. CCS, which has not been proven on a commercially viable basis thus far, involves capturing carbon dioxide, compressing it, and transporting it to reservoirs underground.

The European Union, which has committed to major reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, is especially interested in the technology.

Nick Horler, ScottishPower chief executive, said, "I am delighted to welcome Shell and National Grid to the team. Both of these companies will bring specialist knowledge, expertise, and opportunities for growth in the development of this cutting edge technology...[T]he new companies represent a 'perfect fit' as we strive to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90 percent from the [coal-fired] power plant at Longannet in Scotland."