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CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGERisk assessmentC Gyula Hegyi is a Socialist MEP and member of parliament’s environment committeeWith the technology still relatively new, Gyula Hegyi has his doubts about the use of carbon capture and storage “This is a very new technology and we still don’t know its advantages and disadvantages clearly, so we have to be more cautious before we subsidise it” CCS should only be used by industry in cases where it is the most feasible solution to reducing CO2 emissions. This is a very new technology and we still don’t know its advantages and disadvantages clearly, so we have to be more cautious before we subsidise it. Currently the cost of capturing and geologically storing one tonne of CO2 is between €20 and €120; money which could be spent more effectively elsewhere. In a world where hundreds of millions of men and women live on less than one euro per day, to spend such an amount of money on a risky technology seems to be a luxury of rich nations. Furthermore, CCS decreases the efficiency of power plants. It increases the use of coal, which leads to further air pollution, especially sulphur-dioxide (SO2), nitrogen-oxides (NOX), carbon monoxide (CO), dust and mercury emissions. The problems with the storage of CO2 are still not resolved. We don’t know the effects of it on nature, on soil or groundwater. We don’t know what would happen during an earthquake. The would-be risks of CCS may wellonly be seen decades later. Instead of such a hazardous experiment we should put public money into much more effective solutions, like renewables and green energies. Compared to the cost of burning fossil fuels without capture, CCS would increase the costs of power generation by 40 to 80 per cent, according to location, technology and type of fuel used. In this battle we can not afford to waste our efforts on half solutions. Carbon capture and storage only sweeps the problem under the carpet, extends the use of fossil fuels, and gives rise to environmental risk. If the rich companies want to use it as a supplementary solution combating climate change, they should do so under normal market rules – not at the taxpayers’ expense.ombating climate change is a complex issue for all of us. Our main goal is to decrease the emission of greenhouse gases, including CO2. The only successful solution could be the reduction of the use of fossil energy, including coal. Doing so, we have to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energies. But it’s not enough: we have to understand that eternal and borderless “growth” is unsustainable, we have to restructure our everyday life, using less energy and raw materials. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) offers another solution: to go on with the burning of coal and the over-consumption of fossil energy, just to hide away the CO2 under the earth by very expensive technology. Perhaps it seems to be a solution, but in reality it’s only an excuse not to reduce CO2 emissions. Nobody knows what will happen with the gas in the longer term, how much of it could be captured and how safe the storage is. A successful introduction of CCS systematically will make it possible to continue and even expand coal use for energy production in the EU and worldwide. CCS is only a “solution” for CO2 emissions, but the use of coal is leading to other serious environmental problems as well. If no specific measures are taken, more coal use will increase environmental (and health) effects associated with coal mining, processing and use.MEPs adopt ambitious climate change targets Earlier this month MEPs accepted recommendations from parliament’s temporary committee on climate change for an 80 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050 on 1990 levels. Parliament also approved proposals from rapporteur Karl-Heinz Florenz for a mid-term target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions between 25 per cent and 40 per cent by 2020. Florenz’s report highlights the committee’s concerns that “climate change is both more rapid and more serious in terms of its adverse affects than was previously thought”. It calls on the European commission to monitor whether the objective of keeping the increase in global temperatures below two per cent is enough. The report calls on the EU to make spending on combating climate change its highest priority, with more funds for developing countries and emission reduction requirements in development aid packages. However, the environment is said to be slipping down the agenda in Europe as national governments struggle to cope with the global financial crisis. Asked if the EU would take the necessary steps for protecting the environment in the current economic climate, Florenz told reporters, “Of course I didn’t ask for the global financial crisis.” But he insisted it represented a “major opportunity” for the EU to develop new industries. The recession was not a result of wrong decisions on the part of environmental politicians but occurred “because people in banks didn’t use money in a responsible way”, Florenz argued.46 PARLIAMENT MAGAZINE 16 February 2009 Issue 282 16 February 2009Yes, we can “THE ELECTION OF BARACK OBAMA CREATES AN UNPRECENDENTED PSYCHOLOGICAL OPPORTUNITY TO RALLY MODERATE FORCES TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF BOTH TODAY AND TOMORROW”EU ambassador to the US John Bruton calls for a vigorous diplomatic partnership between Brussels and Wash The medicine her doctor prescribes should be the medicine she receives.The proliferation of counterfeit medicines poses a real and growing threat to patients around the world. Over a two month period in 2008 customs from the EU Member States seized more than 34 million * illegal medicines. * Brussel ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ????????????? ??????? Issue 282 16 February 2009NEWSANALYSIS 6 Eu and Us The EU-US relationship is heading in the right direction, argues John Bruton, but Brussels and Washington will have their work cut out in tackling the key problems facing the world today27 Real hope for seals MEPs should back an unconditional prohib CATHERINESTIHLEREDITORIAL TEAM Managing editor Brian Johnson Martin Banks Sarah Collins Martha Moss International Press Centre Boulevard Charlemagne 1 Box 2 Brussels 1041 Tel +32 (0)2 285 0828 newsdesk@theparliament. www.theparliament.com EDITORIAL BOARD Editor Catherine Stihler MEP Editorial board TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONS??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ?????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ?????? NEWSANALYSIS“The US and the EU should take the lead in keeping the commitments taken by the G20 in November 2008 not to introduce protectionist measures. If we fail, we risk entering into a worldwide spiral of protectionism that can only hurt our economies further” and expect this to be reflected in Re .th ww e rl pagir steN: OW miamwLIMD ITEt. encoPES AC L/gamble ingventFAIR PLAY FOR GAMBLING DATE: Thursday 5th March LOCATION: European Parliament (Members Salon), Round Table with breakfast for delegates TIME: 08.00 09.30 FORMAT: Panel DebateOPENING UP THE EU’S MARKET IN GAMBLING AND SPORTS BET NEWSANALYSISBrand Europe? A .eu domain name provides more credibility and can give Europe’s firms a competitive edge, says Sirpa PietikäinenSome argue that European identity is a pipe dream. Some think that people and companies take root and develop primarily in a country and will always refer to it PROLIGEN PROLIGEN is an FP6 project that aims to enhance the endogenous regenerative capacity of injured kidneys based on information derived from genomics/ proteomics and functional genomics. The new genetic functions and the new cellular therapies that are discovered in the project will provide cl NEWSANALYSISEver closer union? Genowefa Grabowska explores the communications gap between the EU and its citizens – and how to bridge it“We are not seeking coalitions between states, we are uniting people,” said Jean Monnet. Though we all know that the European project cannot be taken forward withou IF THIS MAKES YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE, IMAGINE HOW IT MAKES HER FEEL NEWSANALYSISDon’t net the sea anglers Struan Stevenson speaks out for recreational anglers, who he says are being targeted by Brussels bureaucracyIsuppose we shouldn’t be surprised that the European commission has published proposals to bring sea anglers under the stern control of Brussels and the c FISHERIES“There can be no justification for insisting on a plethora of new licenses, registers, log books and controls for fishermen who simply want to enjoy a day out” regulation stipulates that sea anglers will have to register their boats and log every fish they catch. EU member states will be fo ELECTION WATCHDevil in the detail16 PARLIAMENT MAGAZINE 16 February 2009 NEWSANALYSISUncertainty over the Lisbon treaty will make this year’s European elections more confusing than usual, says Andrew DuffThe European parliament is 30. It is set to enjoy a large increase in its powers if and when the Lisbon treaty comes into force. But, are people bothered? Eurobarometer CROATIAN NURSING TODAY C roatia is a country with a population of 4.4 million and with a social health insurance system. Since independence in 1990, Croatia went through changes to their political, economic and legal systems which have faced many challenges and difficulties. The health care system h NEWSANALYSISBeautiful south Croatia must work quickly if it is to meet its target of joining the EU by the end of the year, argues Joseph DaulThe European project was conceived on the hopes of peace, prosperity and the joining of forces towards a common goal. It was enlargement that contributed to p European Commission European Commission Enterprise and Industry Enterprise and Industry NEWSANALYSISWhat’s in a name? The name dispute with Greece is just one more brake on Macedonia’s accession, writes Erik Meijer, who fears that its candidate status could be long and protractedOn 21 January the European parliament’s foreign affairs committee (AFET) voted on my report on the progress EU EVENTSWomen in Business and Politics “Where are the women?” A panel debate at European Business Summit 2009 Date: Thursday 26 March Location: European Business Summit Tour Taxis, Brussels Format: Panel debate Time: 15.45-17.00 Debate topics: • The European Commission’s maternity proposals • NEWSANALYSISIce ageDBilyana Ilieva Raeva looks at the benefits of Iceland joining the EU in 2011uring the last six months relations between the EU and Iceland have undergone great changes, not institutionally or at an official level, but rather unofficially. It all started with the turmoil that was SPECIALREPORTAnimal welfare first An EU ban on seal products will have little impact on the commercial hunting of seals, writes Diana Wallis. What is needed is a clear labelling system that meets high animal welfare standardsLet’s be clear that we are currently dealing with a legislative proposal on TRADE IN SEAL FUR PRODUCTSFacts and misconceptionsE Dr Garry Stenson is head of the marine mammal section at the Canadian department of fisheries and oceansMisinformation about Canada’s seal hunt hides the fact that the annual cull is sustainable, well-managed and humane, writes Garry Stenson not di SPECIALREPORTReal hope for seals MEPs should back an unconditional prohibition on seal product trade and help put an end to the unacceptably cruel slaughter, argues Rebecca AldworthAs you read this, baby seals are being clubbed to death in Canada’s annual commercial seal slaughter, the largest kill DON’T LEAVE SOME SEALS OUT IN THE COLD© Bryan Cherry AlexanderD L O C E H T N I T U O S L A E S E M O S E V A E L T ’ N O DThe Inuit community of Pangnirtung, Nunavut,CanadaGIVE ALL SEAL HUNTS THE CHANCE TO LEARN FROM EU HUMANE PRACTICEThe International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF) and its Members u SPECIALREPORTSealing our future A ban on seal products will not address concerns regarding humane practices but will impose additional challenges to Inuit communities that can least afford to face them, argues Simon AwaThe European commission is proposing a ban on seals, or to be more precise, a ban No, we can’t stop the trade in cruelly obtained seal products with a labelling schemeYes, we can stop this trade with a full banA labelling scheme will NOT prevent products, made of inhumanely killed seals, from ending up on our EU market. A ban with a so-called ‘humane killing derogation’ is UNENFO SPECIALREPORTPracticalities and problems From a scientific viewpoint, the Canadian seal hunt is inhumane when compared to the standards adopted for farmed animals in Europe, reports Andy ButterworthCan commercial seal hunting be considered acceptably humane in comparison with standards required in E TRADE IN SEAL FUR PRODUCTSA threat to livelihoodsT Juliette Bailey is executive director of the International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF)The EU has the opportunity to make a positive contribution to remote coastal communities by not implementing a trade ban on seal products, writes Juliette Bailey m Ill-informed EU decision could deprive citizens of leading health product “Propaganda can lead us in making uneducated decisions – depriving people of value in day to day living.” Chief Roy S. Jones, Jr. Hereditary Chief of the Raven Wolf of Tanu Haida Gwaii, BC Canada(Dec. 2008)“Seal oil is mostly SPECIALREPORTProgressive values An EU trade ban on seal products would simply reflect the progressive values and choices of the majority of EU citizens, argues David LavigneWhy should seals be treated differently from other sentient mammals? When this question was recently asked at a hearing on trad THE CRUEL ...and the savage slaughter of hundreds of thousands of seals will come to an end. MEPs and Member States must impose a ban with no exemptions for so-called “humane slaughter” – a condition which can neither be applied nor policed in practice.Stop the bloodshed now!www.fueldesign.beSign th SPECIALREPORTTo ban or not to ban? As the previous articles have shown, the issue of seal hunting is highly emotive. Here we print the edited highlights of MEPs’ comments on the commission’s proposals currently going through parliament Frieda Brepoels The commission’s proposal on trade in seal produ TRADE IN SEAL FUR PRODUCTSinto consideration when hunting. They often hunt alone and only one or two seals at a time. They hunt for several months instead of just a few weeks and they only hunt when the weather is good. For the Inuit people the seal hunt is about survival and jobs. And this is entir SPECIALREPORThunting of seals which, in fact leads to the detriment of countries with small-scale hunting policies like for example the Nordic countries. In Sweden and Finland the hunting of seals is aimed at protecting the fish population which means that the proposed ban would create barriers for First pilot plant for CO 2 capture and H 2 production integrated in operating IGCCELCOGAS IGCC CCSELCOGAS is building (finishing July 2009) an integrated pilot plant of industrial scale (14 MWth) to capture CO 2 ready for geological storage and to obtain H 2 together with electricity production. Ma A coal power plant in Kansas. Chris Davies is expecting Barack Obama’s administration to have come up with firm commitments to CCS development by the end of the yearINSIDEEUHorizons of changeTThe EU must act quickly in developing CCS technology if it is to meet its target of having 12 demonstration CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGEThe price of carbonL European ParliamentCarbon capture and storage can only offer too little, too late to a new green deal, argues Jill Evans savings, energy efficiency and renewable energy. Just to demonstrate that the technology can work, CCS advocates have already manage Aiming fora CO 2 -free futureFortum’s Meri-Pori CCS demonstration • locates in Finland, a country with no suitable ? nal storage options • transportation of CO 2 is based on shipping • large-scale retro? t project providing important experience when taking CCS system into use in countries with a lot Gassnova SF T he objective of Gassnova SF (Gassnova) is to manage the interests of the Norwegian state within CCS (carbon capture and storage). Gassnova is the State’s executing enterprise in the development and operation of facilities and infrastructures for planned CO 2 capture and storage solutio INSIDEEUThe burning question Oil and CO 2 MethaneCan CCS really help to reduce carbon emissions? Sarah Collins finds out ty Electrici Heat els Fossil FuAgroup of around 35 companies, think-tanks and national advisors from across Europe is currently embarking on an ambitious project to “recycle” the CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGERisk assessmentC Gyula Hegyi is a Socialist MEP and member of parliament’s environment committeeWith the technology still relatively new, Gyula Hegyi has his doubts about the use of carbon capture and storage “This is a very new technology and we still don’t know its advant ENEL and CCS T o allow sustainable use of coal for power generation Enel is leading the development of CCS technologies through a comprehensive research and demonstration program including The Porto Tolle post-combustion demo project that purpose suitable areas were already identified and preliminar EPAD THE EUROPEAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTORY 2009 Visit www.dodonline.co.uk/sho to order your copy, or contact nicole.vanoosterom@dods +44 (0)20 7091 7500One of the most comprehensive guides to names and addresses in Brussels, covering all the EU institutions, diplomatic and press corps, consultancies INSIDEEUThis could be Rotterdam Ger van Tongeren thinks Rotterdam is ideally placed to become a CCS hub for its neighboursThe Rotterdam Climate Initiative (RCI) was established in 2007 as a collaboration between the city, the port authority, the environmental protection agency and business organisat ??????? ?????????????? ?????????????? ??????? ??????? 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