There has been much discussion recently regarding the role of CCS technologies in a carbon constrained world.

 

There are several CCS projects underway in Australia that are focussed on 'cleaning' exisiting coal fired generators. Read more

 

Rio Tinto is involved in a CCS project in America with a different focus. The Hydrogen Energy California project (HECA) is a joint venture between Rio and BP that transforms petroleum coke (a by-product of the oil refining project) and coal into hydrogen and CO2 using non-potable water. The hydrogen is used to drive the turbine and the CO2 is captured and stored. Read more

 

The Obama administration has announced it will invest $308 million into the project. Read more

 

As reported in The Age,  Rio's technology and innovation group executive, Preston Chiaro, said "Rio Tinto is committed to the development of CCS and the need for action on climate change, and it supports a strong binding international agreement on climate change that will address both the environmental challenge, as well as provide greater certainty for investment decisions." Read more

 

A further examples of business 'getting on with things' whilst the politcal debate continuies.