CHINA & UK TO CLEAN COAL TOGETHER

Because China's main source of electricity is coal, its stated goals to cut energy unit/GDP unit 20% below 2005 levels and cut pollution 10% by 2010 are extremely challenging.

Here’s the first irony: Given the cost of state-of-the-art “clean coal” technology right now, the huge expense could help China achieve the reduced “energy unit/GDP unit” goal - by reducing China's GDP, not by reducing energy consumption.

Second irony: Even if the technology works, it will do nothing for China’s 2010 goals since the plant won’t be operational before 2014.

Third irony: Any energy and pollution reductions that come from this technology will be more than offset by China’s projected snowballing increases in energy consumption.

Research is a vital undertaking. NewEnergyNews simply suspects that research into how to get solar and wind and marine energy costs down and production up would be more to the point.

But that wouldn’t funnel research funds to Big Coal.

Joint carbon project launched
November 21, 2007 (China Daily via China Economic Net)

WHO
China’s Ministry of Science and Technology and the British government

China is hungry for energy of any and every kind. (click to enlarge)

WHAT
The Near Zero Emission Coal project, sponsored by the Chinese and UK governments, will develop a carbon-capture-and-sequestration (CCS) demonstration plant in China.

WHEN
- A demonstration plant is expected to be ready in 2014.
- Modeling and development of sites is expected to take 2 years.

Many argue US success controlling NOx emissions from coal-fired plants offers reason to believe CCS technology can succeed. Not really. (click to enlarge)

WHERE
The demonstration plant will be in China.

WHY
- The first phase will cost $4 million. It will entail technology models and development of sequestration sites.
- Phase 2 will be research on capture and storage possibilities with the aim to choose the best option.
- The 3rd phase will be construction.

Carbon capture is a complex and imperfect technology. And that's just part of the process. (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
- Li Gao, director, Center for China's Agenda 21/UN sustainable development program: "The technology for capturing and storing carbon safely and effectively is developing fast and will eventually become the standard for fossil fuels…The government will help fund R&D projects to capture and store carbon in the hope of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving efficient use of fossil fuels…"
- Barbara Woodward, UK deputy ambassador to China: "Developed countries should take the lead in cutting emissions and build teamwork with developing countries to tackle climate change…"