A PROGRAMME to put the region at the vanguard of cleaner air technology could be back on the agenda.

MP Simon Clarke has met with Energy Minister Richard Harrington to discuss the potential for a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) network in the North-East, which officials say could deliver thousands of jobs.

The overall CCS proposal, which aims to secure carbon dioxide from coal-fired power plants and heavy industry before storing it underground to avoid it disappearing into the atmosphere, was backed by former Prime Minister David Cameron’s Government.

However, it has apparently since been shunted down a list of Whitehall priorities, despite efforts by the Teesside Collective organisation, which previously unveiled a blueprint based upon the Government sharing costs with industry to set up cleaner energy sites.

But Mr Clarke, MP for Middlesbrough South and east Cleveland, said hope still remains, with Mr Harrington setting out detailed questions the Teesside Collective must answer before the project can move to the investment stage.

Those questions include the financial contribution made by industry, the scope for cost reductions, and how the business model could be adapted in the event of possible changes to emissions trading after Britain leaves the EU.

Mr Clarke said: “The Minister’s questions provide much-needed clarity and a chance to set out how our area can deliver a key asset for our country.

“We’re a step closer to realising the vision of the Teesside Collective. CCS represents a huge opportunity for Teesside, curbing our carbon emissions while creating thousands of jobs.

“I’m going to do all I can in Westminster to secure Government support.”

Speaking before the General Election, Teesside-born Business Secretary Greg Clark told The Northern Echo he would put plans to revive a CCS network at the forefront of his industrial strategy.