Deadline for Carbon Capture Competition set for 2014 (Galloway and Upper Nithsdale Liberal Democrats)

Galloway and Upper Nithsdale Liberal Democrats <fionambuchanan56@yahoo.co.uk>

Deadline for Carbon Capture Competition set for 2014

November 26, 2009 5:19 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

West Fife MP Willie Rennie has received assurances from Secretary of State for Energy, Ed Miliband that the 2014 deadline for the pilot establishment of carbon capture technology will not be delayed.

Quizzing the Secretary of State for Energy in the House of Commons, Mr Rennie asked Ed Miliband to give assurances that there would be no further delays to the Government's carbon capture competition, following last month's announcement that Kingsnorth will not be able to meet the 2014 deadline.Willie Rennie MP: West Fife

In his response Mr Miliband confirmed that the competition date remained set for 2014, leaving Longannet well placed to be awarded one of the carbon capture demonstration projects.

Commenting Mr Rennie said:

"After months of going back and forth, I'm delighted that Ed Miliband has finally nailed his colours to the mast and given us his assurances that the timetable for the carbon capture competition will not be delayed.

"The fact that the Government has finally committed to the 2014 deadline should be welcomed as a step forward in the fight against climate change. The 2014 deadline for the carbon capture pilot is essential if the UK is to meet its 2020 climate change objectives.

"It's essential that the Government now keeps its promise to meet the 2014 deadline, as any new delays will act as huge set back for investment in Longannet. The Government must not be allowed to go back on their word."

Notes:

1. Question from Willie Rennie MP to Secretary of State for Energy Ed Miliband 24/11/09

Willie Rennie (Dunfermline and West Fife) (LD): I welcome the Secretary of State's support for carbon capture. In West Fife there is certainly support for Longannet being one of those carbon capture demonstration projects, but I fear that the timetable is slipping; 2014 is a date that is not mentioned any more. Can the Secretary of State give an assurance that the pilots and the roll-out of carbon capture are not being subtly delayed?

Edward Miliband: No, they are not, and 2014 has always been part of our criteria for the competition. That remains the case. The hon. Gentleman will know that, as with any procurement, the rules cannot be changed half way through the process, so the rules are as they have always been.