International speakers at 2012 National CCS Conference

Carbon capture and storage’s (CCS) role in achieving sustainable development in China will be discussed by Dr Peng Sizhen, Deputy Director General, Administrative Centre for China’s Agenda 21 (ACCA21), at the 2012 National CCS Conference this month.

The conference will run from 21-23 October at the Burswood Entertainment Complex, Perth.

Dr Peng Sizhen will be joining a team of international and Australian speakers to discuss how capture and geological storage of carbon will fit into efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Keynote speakers include Martin Ferguson, Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism; and Dr Clinton Foster, Chief Scientist, Geoscience Australia.

In announcing the program, CO2CRC Chief Executive and Conference Chair Dr Richard Aldous said CCS had made good progress since the last National CCS Conference in 2010 but added that efforts must be maintained.

“Since 2010 we have seen major achievements in CCS R&D, as well as a number of new projects underway, including two Australian CCS Flagship projects,” Dr Aldous said.

“CCS is an essential tool if Australia is to reach its emission targets - it is vital we maintain that momentum and ensure that Australia secures the option to deploy CCS if calls for action on climate change become stronger.”

The conference line-up reflects how CCS development is an international effort, with prominent international speakers sharing their experience including:

• Tone Skogen, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, Norway
• Dr Tony Surridge, Head, South African Centre for Carbon Capture & Storage
• Juho Lipponen, Carbon Capture and Storage Unit, International Energy Agency

Dr Aldous added that the conference would have a wide appeal, with sessions covering technical, economic and social aspects of CCS.

The National CCS Week and Conference is being organised by the Australian Government Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, the Victorian Department of Primary Industries, the Global CCS Institute, CSIRO, CO2CRC, the Australian Coal Association, the Minerals Council of Australia, Brown Coal Innovation Australia and ANLEC R&D.

The conference will be immediately followed by a meeting of the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF) Policy and Technical Groups, also in Perth. The CSLF is a ministerial-level international climate change initiative representing 24 countries and the European Commission.

To view the National CCS Conference program or to register to attend, go to www.nationalccs.com.au. To stay up to date on the program and confirmed speakers, follow National CCS Week on Twitter - @NationalCCSWeek.