Low carbon subsurface technologies: identifying potential environmental impacts
Examines the potential impact of low carbon subsurface technologies on the environment.
Applies to England
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This project examined the potential impact of low carbon subsurface technologies on the environment. This will provide the Environment Agency and others with evidence to help regulate these technologies and prevent unintended environmental impacts in the future.
The UK government’s ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 68% of 1990 levels by 2030 is likely to result in changes to the energy mix in the near future. Many new ‘low carbon’ technologies that use the subsurface (below ground) to extract and store green energy and to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) could potentially be commercialised in the UK in the coming years.
The Environment Agency wants to understand the potential environmental risks to air, land and water of these technologies and their use of the subsurface, to prevent environmental harm and/or unintended barriers to their development.