Carbon capture and storage: EU advancing, but not fast enough

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an essential low-carbon bridge technology, to be used in the several decades it will take before Europe can be totally reliant on renewable energy. The EU's energy commissioner Gunter Oettinger recognises this, and the EU has a programme to subsidise large-scale demonstations by 2015. The money will come from auctioning permits under the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). CCS is not only essential to meet the EU's climate objectives; it is also a major business opportunity. So, it is welcome that the Commission is serious about promoting this technology.