Around 80% of the world’s power still comes from burning fossil fuels and the use of fossil fuels is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. There is a clear need to make this process more efficient, to maximise the energy output, decrease carbon dioxide emissions and reduce the environmental impact.

One method of doing this is through Carbon Capture and Storage, a process that captures the carbon dioxide generated from fossil fuel power stations and other energy intense industrial processes and stores it underground, stopping it from entering the atmosphere. We are currently supporting £36 million of research and training in this area, including £6 million towards an Industrial Doctoral Training Centre. Other areas of support include a Carbon Capture and Storage Community Network and £4.7 million towards the Scottish Centre for Carbon Storage.

We are also supporting research to improve the combustion process and improve the extraction of oil and gas, with research portfolios of £18 million and £7 million respectively.

Futhermore we are investing £14 million in conventional energy generation including a Conventional Power Plant Lifetime Extension SUPERGEN Consortium.

A long term carbon dioxide free alternative to fossil based power generation has yet to be established. The depleting reserves of fossil fuels and the greenhouse gases emitted from burning them make this a vital area for research. By funding further research into this area we aim to make conventional power generation more efficient and reduce its environmental impact.