To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what progress has been made on the establishment of plants to demonstrate carbon capture and storage technology; and if he will make a statement. (277930)

In Budget 2009, the Government announced plans to accelerate the demonstration of carbon capture and storage. This included the announcement of £90 million of public funding for FEED studies. The competition is now moving to the next stage of invitation to negotiate.

In addition, the Chancellor announced proposals to expand our demonstration effort through a financial mechanism to support up to four demonstration projects, including the competition.