THE North-East can be at the vanguard of cleaner air technology, a report has today claimed.

The Teesside Collective has published new findings it says will help the Government meet emissions targets and be more cost effective than wind farms or nuclear power.

The organisation previously revealed plans to set up a carbon capture and storage (CCS) network to secure carbon dioxide from coal-fired power plants and heavy industry and store it underground before it disappears into the atmosphere.

The overall CCS proposal was backed by David Cameron’s Government but has since seemingly been shunted down a list of priorities.

However, officials have now unveiled new CCS proposals, which, if implemented, would see the Government share costs with industry to set up cleaner energy sites.

Bosses also said the plans would cost £58 per tonne of carbon dioxide, significantly less than the £200 cost of offshore wind and £128 bill for nuclear power.

Paul Booth, chairman of the Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership and board member of Tees Valley Combined Authority, said the project has the potential for the region to lead the way in technology, adding the programme could be replicated across the country.

He added: “There is no doubt the technologies involved in CCS are tried and tested and that Teesside has the concentration of facilities that make it the ideal place to start.

“The benefits in terms of long-term industrial growth and emissions reduction are also clear.

“The question this report answers is whether there is a cost-effective way of making this a reality.

“The answer is a resounding yes.”

The Carbon Capture and Storage Association previously warned CCS’ postponement could add £2bn to household bills every year and Alex Cunningham, MP for Stockton North, said he was growing increasingly frustrated at what he saw as Government inaction.

Mr Cunningham, who is co-chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Groups for CCS and energy intensive industries, last year said: “The priority for new ministers involved in energy policy, along with the Chancellor, should be to clarify the status of climate targets and prioritise spending intentions.

“CCS must be part of any such plan, especially in light of cuts already sustained to renewables investment and subsidies.

“The Government must commit to leading on climate change and energy policy, rather than sitting in the passenger seat attempting to give directions.

“With one of the largest clusters of manufacturing industries in the UK, it is only by investing in CCS in places like Teesside, with the capacity and expertise to make such projects work, that the UK can protect vital energy intensive industries and secure a stable future.”

The Teesside Collective has received support from a number of chemical operators, including Lotte, Growhow and BOC.