Written question WQ88496
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the feasibility of using carbonation of alkaline silicate rocks in Wales to remove carbon dioxide?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Climate Change
We recognise the potential for new Greenhouse Gas Removal technologies to make a contribution to achieve our Net Zero targets by 2050. More robust evidence and research is needed to understand the potential, reduce costs and/or better understand wider consequences. Research and evidence will also be critical for developing any policy in this area.
We are actively engaging with the research community, officials working with DEFRA and the UK Research and Innovation are playing a key role in the £31 million Greenhouse Gas Removal Programme. This is major research initiative which seeks to establish viable and practical policy options for Greenhouse Gas Removal. Over twenty research organisations are contributing including, UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology Bangor, Cardiff, Aberystwyth and Bangor Universities. The Programme includes practical demonstration sites in Mid Wales for enhanced rock weathering of silica rock, biochar materials and range of peatland restoration activities.
We will continue to play a key role in this Programme and learn from its findings.