Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) Authority (comprising of the Welsh Government, the UK Government, the Scottish Government, and the Northern Ireland Executive) has published today a consultation on regulating cross-boundary carbon capture and storage (CCS) pipelines (external link). This is a short, technical consultation to simplify UK ETS regulation of CCS pipelines that cross into different jurisdictions in the UK. All the options aim to reduce regulatory burden and costs for CCS projects to support their economic viability
This consultation will be followed by an Authority Response, which will be published prior to legislation being laid that will enact any changes resulting from the consultation. The Senedd, along with other UK Parliaments, will have the opportunity to scrutinise plans once they are finalised.
I believe that the UK ETS remains a highly influential policy lever in achieving net zero in Wales and I am keen that we ensure the scheme supports businesses investing in and adopting decarbonisation technologies. This consultation is key to exploring where regulations can be simplified and support the economic viability of CCS, which for some industries is the only decarbonisation option currently available.
I have written to the Chairs of the Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee and the Legislation, Justice, and Constitution Committee to inform them.