The National Physical Laboratory launched its Centre for Carbon Measurement, which will ensure the UK leads the world in climate modelling, global carbon markets and green technology.
Business and government have welcomed the project, highlighting its potential to reduce emissions and stimulate the economy.
The UK, like most nations, is implementing policies to meet emissions reduction targets through clean energy generation, improved efficiency, developing low carbon technology and behavioural change. Scientifically underpinned carbon measurement is critical to achieving all of these.
The Centre, which has received vocal support from goverment, academia, large and small businesses, will provide reliable climate data on which to base policies; support international regulations and voluntary schemes for carbon trading and monitoring; and help to develop and measure the performance of low-carbon technologies.
David Willets, minister for universities and science, said: “The science of measurement is essential in underpinning the transition to a low carbon economy. As the UK is a world leader in both measurement science and the centre of the global carbon market it is only right that we develop the right infrastructure to support this transition.”
Organisations that expect to benefit from the centre include E.ON, The National Grid, The National Centre for Atmospheric Science, Coventry University and Surrey Satellites.
The type of projects already in the pipeline for the Centre include: reducing uncertainties in climate data; providing technical input to guidance for companies reporting climate impact; detecting and quantifying leaks from Carbon Capture and Storage demonstrators; and providing a scientifically robust framework for estimating carbon savings from smart grids and large-scale building energy efficiency projects.
Additionally, SMEs which bring value to the UK economy and environment will have opportunities to apply for match-funded support including an initial a half million pound fund for low carbon innovators.
Dr Richard Busby, environment manager for energy company E.ON, added: “There must be a robust scientific foundation of carbon measurement if we are to address the risks of climate change. The power industry is a key stakeholder here, not only in managing emissions from power generation, but also in technologies that underpin energy conservation and efficiency.”
Photo by Eric Schmuttenmaer