Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what timetable she has set for the completion of the carbon capture and storage commercialisation competition; and what progress her Department has made towards the announcement of a contract for difference for carbon capture and storage.

Under the CCS Commercialisation Programme, the Government is supporting the Peterhead and White Rose CCS projects to complete their detailed project designs. The companies involved are expected to make final investment decisions in late 2015, with Government taking a decision in the first quarter of 2016. Subject to final investment decisions, Government has made up to £1bn available to offset the capital cost of the projects and further support will be available through a tailored Contract for Difference.