Published: October 3, 2009
PGE Elektrownia Belchatow has appointed Clifford Chance to advise on overall legal aspects in connection with the preparation, construction and financing of the carbon dioxide storage (CCS) project located in Rogowiec, Poland.
This is one of the largest CCS projects in the world, designed to help reduce carbon emissions through the capture, transport and geological storage of CO2. Once completed, the installation will be the first of its kind in Poland and one of the first in Europe.
Nigel Howorth, co-head of the climate change group at Clifford Chance in London, says: “There are no large-scale power stations with integrated carbon capture and storage facilities operating on a commercial basis anywhere in the world as yet. We are pleased to be a part in this innovative project for dealing with CO2 emissions.”
The project will form part of the network of CCS projects set up by the European Commission. The European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR) is currently considering the application for a €180mn grant to finance the project. It is going to be one of the largest construction projects in Poland. The project is part of the 855 MW new power station at Bełchatów, on which Clifford Chance is also advising.