Department of Energy (DOE) 2023 Investments in Carbon Capture and Storage
DOE's Latest Investments in Carbon Capture and Storage Technologies: Advancing Sustainable and Profitable Solutions for the Future of Energy and Environment
The DOE's investments in carbon capture and storage (CCS) are a key aspect of the government's strategy to combat climate change and promote economic growth through innovation. By supporting research and development in areas such as wastewater management, repurposing of coal waste, and carbon capture and conversion technologies, the agency is advancing sustainable solutions that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create new jobs, and drive technological progress in the energy and environment sectors. The following investments highlighted below were all announced in February of 2023.
DOE Invests $18 million to Manage Wastewater From Oil and Gas Production - February 10th
The Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) recently announced an investment of over $18 million to fund research and development projects targeting the characterization, treatment, and management of produced water. Produced water, or wastewater associated with oil and natural gas development and production, has long been a challenge for the industry due to its high cost and potential environmental impact. The primary goal of this investment is to support the development of new technologies that can manage wastewater more efficiently and safely, including applications in hydrogen generation and crop irrigation. The funding opportunity announcement is specifically targeting unconventional oil and gas production, with a focus on reducing the environmental impact of trucking and seismic events associated with transporting and treating this wastewater. This investment in produced water management has the potential to unlock significant benefits for the oil and gas industry, including increased efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and improved community relations.
DOE Invests $6 million in Developing Valuable Products from Coal Waste - February 16th
The FECM also announced an investment of $6 million for the development of high-value graphitic products and carbon-metal composites from coal and coal waste. This investment will fund six university-led research and development projects aimed at repurposing coal resources for the clean energy industry. High-value graphitic products are materials made from graphite, a form of carbon that has high thermal and electrical conductivity, and are used in a range of industries including aerospace, defense, and energy. Carbon-metal composites, on the other hand, are materials made by combining carbon and metal, resulting in enhanced strength and durability, and are widely used in engineering applications. The universities chosen for the projects are the University of Illinois, two projects in Ohio University, Tennessee Technological University, the University of Delaware, and the University of Wyoming. This investment in coal repurposing research has the potential to transform the coal industry and support the transition to a more sustainable and clean energy future while also having the potential to create jobs and economic opportunities for mining and power plant communities
DOE Invests $2.7 million to Accelerate the Deployment of Carbon Management Technologies - February 21st
Lastly, the DOE invested nearly $2.7 million in five research and development projects aimed at accelerating the deployment of carbon management technologies. These technologies capture carbon dioxide for permanent geologic storage or conversion into other valuable products. Of the five projects funded, three focus on carbon storage, while the remaining two aim to convert carbon into useful materials. The focus of the funding projects are aimed at researching the chemical conversions and storage of carbon dioxide within concrete and secondary cementitious materials. Secondary cementitious materials are materials that are used in the production of concrete and other cementitious products, alongside traditional cement. These materials are typically waste products from other industrial processes, such as fly ash from coal-fired power plants, slag from iron and steel production, and silica fume from the production of silicon or ferrosilicon alloys. The projects aim to integrate these technologies into the manufacturing process and building products, with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry.