LTN meetin saw a heated Q+A session as top-level scientists and industry leaders met to discuss the technology and changes in policy required in the field of carbon capture, storage and sequestration
The Carbon Event was held on Tuesday 24 April at the Royal Geographical Society, counting toward the year's activities for LTN's environmental special interest group.
More than 60 group members attended the meeting, which saw speakers from Carbon Trust, Imperial College London, Eon UK and Carbon8 Systems address the challenges facing researchers throughout industry and academia.
In 2003, as part of the government's global strategy to address climate change, the energy white paper set the target of a 60% reduction in UK CO2 emissions by 2050.
The seminar explored increasing concerns over climate change, emphasising the importance of finding solutions which are environmentally sustainable, socially acceptable, and meet energy requirements in a secure and affordable manner.
In contrast to some of LTNs other technology-focused events, where researchers are united towards a particular innovation and solution, the Carbon Event demonstrated the complexity of the dilemma facing scientists.
The presentations highlighted a few points in particular: current R+D support is insufficient; the UK needs to collaborate internationally and develop R+D capacity throughout the innovation chain particularly in support of early commercial deployment; existing technologies need to be optimised and public attitudes to CCS need to be assessed and negativities overcome.
Following the talks attendees were invited to network and explore the latest innovations on display from universities across the south-east England.
Attendees included representatives from organisations such as Amec, British Cement Association, Schlumberger, and Transport for London, and HEIs included University College London, Cranfield University, University of Reading, Imperial College London, and University of Southampton.
