Scotland is establishing clear and consistent procedures to govern the use and implementation of carbon capture technology. 

Energy Minister Jim Mather said the Scottish Government had introduced a Legislative Consent Motion to allow for the introduction of a common framework across the UK for carbon capture and storage.

Carbon capture and storage is a process consisting of the separation of carbon dioxide from industrial and energy-related sources, transport to a storage location and long-term isolation from the atmosphere.

Mather said:

“Carbon capture and storage has the potential to cut emissions from fossil fuels by 90 per cent and offers a key new technology in the fight against climate change. It could make a significant contribution to our ambitious target of reducing emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. Scotland already has massive potential - we have the infrastructure to store carbon in the North Sea and the scientific and engineering expertise in our oil and gas industry and our universities. That means we can take a world lead in developing this crucial technology.

“We need to get the right regulatory regime in place, and a licensing system consistent across the UK makes sense for industry. I'm pleased we have reached agreement with the UK Government for a common framework, which negates the need to legislate separately and would have been a poor use of the Scottish Parliament's time.  Scottish Ministers will licence storage activity out to 12 nautical miles. And we will gain influence as the UK Government will have to consult Scottish Ministers for all licences between 12-200 nautical miles in Scottish waters. This is a mature and sensible approach to our energy policy and the right decision for Scotland's long term interests.”