2nd General Assembly (3 October 2007)
The ZEP Technology Platform is the focus for the development and deployment of CO2-free power production in Europe using CO2 capture and storage technology (CCS).
CCS is now widely accepted as a key solution for combating climate change - within a portfolio of solutions, including renewable energies and energy efficiency. Indeed, if Europe is to achieve the CO2 reduction targets endorsed at the European Council Spring Meeting last March, its wide-scale deployment is essential. It has therefore attracted significant support among a broad range of stakeholders, including the European Commission, European industry, scientists and NGOs.
ZEP has a crucial year ahead. While in 2006 we outlined a technology and deployment roadmap, in 2007 we face critical decisions in order to take the leap towards full-scale commercialisation. This has therefore been focus of our discussions with public and private stakeholders over recent months.
The result is the development of the ZEP Flagship Programme - up to 12 large-scale demonstration projects that cover the whole range of CO2 capture, transport and storage options, in a variety of geographical and geological settings, Europe-wide.
The ZEP Flagship Programme: the key to the rapid deployment of CCS in Europe
Such a programme has already been recognised in the conclusions of the European Council Spring Meeting. Indeed, given that CCS is a very costly step for both industry and governments, it is essential in order to validate the technology, drive down costs and demonstrate the safety of CO2 storage. Its success will then “kick start” wide-scale deployment.
ZEP has made a great deal of progress and we now require the support and commitment of all stakeholders to the Flagship Programme. It will therefore be the central theme of our 2nd General Assembly (GA 2007), where high level EC policymakers, industry representatives and scientists will share their vision and plans. This will be held on 3rd October 2007 in Salons Hoche in Paris to coincide with the 2nd symposium on “The Capture and Geological Storage of CO2” to be held on 4-5 October, also in Paris.
Actual programme and presentations