Germany's upper house of parliament has rejected a controversial law on carbon capture and storage technology. Proponents say it could help curb greenhouse emissions. But critics argue it's too risky.
Germany's upper house of parliament, the Bundesrat, has struck down a law for testing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology amid strong resistance from some politicians.
The legislation, which is the German implementation of a European Union regulation, was meant to test the technology until 2017.
CCS refers to capturing carbon dioxide from fumes emitted by coal-fired factories and industrial plants before it escapes into the atmosphere, liquefying the pollutant and pumping it into underground storage sites.
The decision by the Bundesrat, which represents the interests of Germany's 16 states, could also throw into doubt the construction of a 250-megawatt testing plant by Swedish utility giant Vattenfall in the eastern state of Brandenburg.
CCS is seen as a promising technology by several German politicians and researchers who say it could help cut greenhouse gas emissions, fight climate change and help Germany meet ambitious climate protection goals.
The International Energy Agency estimates that the technology, if implemented successfully, could contribute nearly 20 percent to the reductions in CO2 emissions aimed for by 2050. Many companies also hope CCS technology will free them from having to buy expensive emissions certificates. Read More
(Source : Deutsche Welle)
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