Germany: A new federal "CCS-law", out for consultation now

The economy and environment ministries says the carbon capture and storage (CCS) law, planned for approval by the cabinet in September and parliament by the year-end, would pave the way for further developing technology aimed at cutting pollution from coal-burning power plants.

The layout of the law has been based on the original bill suggested by the previous government in April last year. The proposal also takes into account the input that came in the Federal Council in May last year. The technology, which aims to hold CO2 indefinitely in underground storage facilities, would be a boon to operators who use coal, since it would allow them to avoid costs incurred for releasing greenhouse gas. By mapping out a future for coal-fired plants, the law would mesh with Germany's new national energy strategy, due for presentation by late August or early September, which will also clarify plans to extend the life of nuclear power plants. Germany derives 50 percent of its power from coal but without CCS will not be able to keep this up in the next few years, as stringent EU laws aimed at discouraging CO2 emissions set rising financial penalties on conventional coal burning.

Key points in the new law include:

• The admittance is restricted to demonstration by limit in time and volume
• The law will be evaluated in the year 2017
• The rights of owners (of properties) are better protected if their property is used during exploration.
• When demonstrating the permant storage, the highest (precautionary) standards (of science and technics) are applied.
• For aftercare after the transition of responsibility to the Länder 3 % of the value of saved emission allowances (+ interest rates) are saved.
• The operating company of CCS demonstration plants are obliged to transfer knowledge.
• As far the constitution allows it, affected communities should receive a financial compensation.

http://www.zeroco2.no/projects/countries/germany