Are you aware of the fact that a coal-fired station emits about twice as much carbon dioxide as a gas-burning facility of equal power? Yes, it is an apt statement. Thus, it becomes necessary that Coal is considered only as the last resort, even with the assurance of
carbon capture and storage (CCS).
As per a parliamentary committee, government must set a deadline for coal-fired power stations either to adopt "
clean coal" technologies or close. However, the Environment Audit Committee says the government is not right to believe that a carbon market alone will influence companies to make investment in "
clean coal". Its report warns that development in this area is tremendously disappointing.
The committee heard evidence that by 2015 may be six other new coal-burning stations will be built in the UK. Due to rise in gas prices, energy generators would look to coal as a cheaper and reliable alternative. Furthermore, it is believed by the UK government as well others that the only answer is "clean coal". It is because a few technologies are available that capture carbon from the flue gases and store it away in natural underground voids.
However, an important point to be considered is that such a technology is expensive. Moreover, its usage makes power station less efficient, increasing the amount of fuel burned by 10-40 per cent.
Besides, there exist uncertainties about the technical and economic aspects of clean coal and the introduction of
CCS.
Thus, it becomes all more crucial for the government to set a date by which companies must adopt CCS or face closure of their installations.
It is also suggested by the President of the Royal Society that consent must only be given for new coal-fired power stations on the condition that operating permits will be withdrawn if the plant fails to capture 90 per cent of its CO2 emissions by 2020.
