CIAB Market & Policy developments 2005/06 - IEA

areas where the CIAB could usefully contribute the expertise of its Members. These will
be debated and specific work tasks agreed early in 2008.
67. Energy Security – the CIAB proposes development of a report that draws on CIAB
member expertise and commentary to explore the related yet discreet ways in which coal
use can and does enhance energy security in major geographic regions. We believe that
the “real-world” views of leaders in the power generation industry, the coal industry
(which is increasingly populated by producers with broad interests in metals, minerals
and other commodities), and other energy-related fields would be valuable.
68. This work would also explore the important steps that governments must take to support
coal’s essential role in the future energy equation, for example by investing in
infrastructure and by providing long-term clarity on the regulatory front. Without such
support from policy makers, companies may fail to make the necessary investments to
maintain coal’s vital role.
69. Carbon Capture and Storage - During 2007, the CIAB prepared a report identifying and
endorsing key commercial and policy drivers that can be instrumental in accelerating the
development and deployment of clean coal technologies. With the continuing
intensification of climate concerns, we believe that continued work in the area of carbon
capture and storage is essential.
70. The CIAB can provide valuable insight into what has been accomplished so far in
advancing the suite of CCS-related technologies towards commercialization and, far
more importantly, what needs to happen in the future to ensure that CCS is available at
the earliest practicable date. The results of this work could form the basis of a discussion
between the IEA and a small number of Members representing the CIAB towards the
end of 2008. Key themes include:
• Creating a robust legal framework - The greatest challenge for the rapid
deployment of CCS technologies is storage; and it is essential that governments
move forward as quickly as possible to put the necessary regulatory regimes in
place while at the same time addressing long-term liability concerns.
• Learning by doing - Lengthy delays could result from a desire to ensure 100%
permanent storage of CO 2 over geologic time. Where there is a reasonable level of
confidence, society needs to move forward as quickly as practicable with the
injection of large volumes of CO 2 into geological strata; achieving immediate
climate-related benefits and greatly accelerating advances in critical technologies.
• Communicating a realistic timeline for CCS – Realistic expectations for CCS
need to be communicated, while at the same time reinforcing the message that the
CCS timeline can be accelerated in a meaningful way if governments and policy
makers provide strong support.
• Moving forward with what is achievable now - We can and should begin the
process of replacing existing coal-fired power stations with more efficient
generating plants immediately. By doing so, society can substantially reduce CO 2
emissions per unit of energy produced, while at the same time creating a more
realistic platform for CCS retrofitting when commercially available.
• Persuading government leaders and the public that CCS is essential -
investing in advanced coal-fired technologies that can be shared with the
developing world and recognising that CCS is the “one indispensable technology”
in addressing climate concerns.
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