A PROGRAMME to put the region at the vanguard of cleaner air technology will be “a great ambition” of a new Conservative Government, a senior minister has said.

Greg Clark says he will put plans to revive a carbon capture and storage (CCS) network at the forefront of his industrial strategy should the Tories be victorious in the General Election.

The Teesside-born Business Secretary added Teesside stands well-placed to benefit, with the area’s industrial operations providing an ideal environment for the scheme.

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.

The Carbon Capture and Storage Association has also warned CCS’ postponement could add £2bn to household bills every year.

But Mr Clark, who was born in Middlesbrough and went to school in nearby South Bank, told The Northern Echo that CCS was very much on his radar, adding further studies could help it become a reality.

He said: “I’ve long taken an interest in CCS because one of the big challenges for every country is to have reliable, affordable energy that meets our carbon emissions targets. CCS is one of the areas where we have not had the industrial scale breakthrough yet.

“However, I think through some of the research and development that can be done on Teesside, where you have got networks of pipework, especially around the estuary of the Tees, CCS is something we can make use of.

“We have got research to do, but I’ve got a great ambition for it to be part of our future.”

Mr Clark, who revealed the Tories are “very serious” about taking the key Darlington seat off Labour in the forthcoming election, said he was keen to help his home area thrive.

He added: “I’ve always considered myself to be a Teessider, my family are here and I’ve spent more time on Darlington station over the years, as we all have who live around here, than I care to think of.

“It always gives me particular pleasure and pride to see my home area on the rise.

“I think what is happening now is a resurgence across the Tees Valley and a confidence that breeds success on success.

“Like in other areas, it can’t be taken for granted and it needs help and support from the Government.

“However, it is supporting local initiative, rather than London telling Tees Valley what to do, and I’ve always wanted to see that.”