Green campaigners demonstrated opposite Downing St on Thursday 29 April against the Government’s intention to allow the building of new coal-fired power stations with only limited carbon capture.
Joss Garman from Greenpeace addresses the demo
Coal is inherently the ‘dirtiest’ of fuels, releasing large quantities of carbon dioxide on burning. Current carbon capture and storage technologies can cut emissions by around 20%, still leaving a massive pollution.
Our government want to build new coal power stations despite this, promising that in 15 years time unless all the carbon can be captured they will be close. As several speakers, including Green MEP for London Jean Lambert pointed out, it is by no means certain that 100% CCS will be achievable, and almost certain that if it isn’t no government will close down these dirty power stations.
More on the demonstration on My London Diary.