Carbon dioxide is emitted when any fuel is burned. Currently, the largest sources of carbon dioxide emissions are from transport and coal-fired power stations. Many measures are being developed to control carbon emissions. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, for example, would allow carbon dioxide to be separated, liquefied and stored.

CCS is in the early stages of development and several methods are being researched and tested by companies worldwide.

The EU and UK Government have published regulations that require carbon-emitting producers to incorporate CCS technology if it proves to be feasible and economically viable. It is envisaged that depleted oil and gas fields as well as natural geological formations could be used offshore for storing carbon.

While this technology is not yet commercially available, Gateway Energy Centre will be designed to accommodate CCS infrastructure in order to comply with any future Government regulations.