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The Near Zero Emissions Coal Initiative (NZEC) will initially involve an 18-month work programme to help build capacity for carbon capture and storage technology in China, build stronger links between Chinese and European experts and study a range of options for demonstrating carbon capture and storage in coal-fired power generation in China.

The first phase of the Initiative was officially launched by Barbara Woodward, the Deputy Head of the UK Mission in China, and Ministry of Science and Technology Vice Minister Liu Yanhua in Beijing.

UK Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said:
"Today's Near Zero Emissions Coal initiative launch demonstrates the strong working relationship which exists between China and the UK. Developing carbon capture and storage is vital if we are going to tackle climate change. I wish this initiative every success."

The initiative is supported with up to £3.5 million in funding from Defra and BERR.

The initiative will be jointly managed by AEA in the UK and the Administrative Centre for China's Agenda 21 in China and will involve a consortium of industrial and academic partners in both countries.