Around 80% of the world’s power still comes from burning fossil fuels and the
use of fossil fuels is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. There is a
clear need to make this process more efficient, to maximise the energy output, decrease
carbon dioxide emissions and reduce the environmental impact.
One method of doing this is through Carbon Capture and Storage, a process that
captures the carbon dioxide generated from fossil fuel power stations and other
energy intense industrial processes and stores it underground, stopping it from
entering the atmosphere. We are currently supporting £36 million of research and
training in this area, including £6 million towards an
Industrial Doctoral Training Centre. Other areas of support include a
Carbon Capture and Storage Community Network and £4.7 million towards the
Scottish Centre for Carbon Storage.
We are also supporting research to improve the combustion process and improve
the extraction of oil and gas, with research portfolios of £18 million and £7 million
respectively.
Futhermore we are investing £14 million in conventional energy generation including
a
Conventional Power Plant Lifetime Extension SUPERGEN Consortium.
A long term carbon dioxide free alternative to fossil based power generation
has yet to be established. The depleting reserves of fossil fuels and the greenhouse
gases emitted from burning them make this a vital area for research. By funding
further research into this area we aim to make conventional power generation more
efficient and reduce its environmental impact.
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