GULF COAST
A coalition of 32 organizations has submitted a formal letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting that the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) be granted primacy for Class VI well permitting. This move would give the RRC authority over carbon sequestration well permits in Texas, streamlining the process for carbon capture projects. There are also rumors that the RRC could open a public comment period on this primacy application as early as Q1-2025.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has started notifying applicants about which CarbonSAFE projects will receive funding under the latest application cycle. This development suggests that the DOE may be preparing to open a new Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) cycle, offering additional opportunities for carbon capture and storage projects to apply for support.
An advanced amine-based solvent technology for carbon capture, developed in collaboration between the University of Texas at Austin and Honeywell, is moving to engineering-scale testing at the Technology Centre Mongstad, the world’s largest carbon capture test facility. This marks a major milestone for the technology, originally patented by Dr. Gary Rochelle of UT Austin, and is a promising development for large-scale carbon capture advancements.
USA
ADM has released a detailed overview and timeline regarding the events at the Decatur Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) site, which led to the EPA issuing a non-compliance order. ADM confirmed that CO₂ had migrated into a different rock zone at approximately 5,000 feet, slightly above the permitted injection zone. ADM emphasized that there was no impact on surface or groundwater, and no risk to public health. Further updates on the situation, including monitoring well developments and related communications, can be found at www.adm.com/ccs.
Baker Hughes has introduced CarbonEdge™, a digital platform designed to provide comprehensive support for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) operations. Powered by Cordant™, CarbonEdge offers an intuitive, real-time dashboard that tracks CO₂ flows from capture to subsurface storage, delivering critical data for regulatory reporting and risk management. This platform aims to enhance decision-making, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation across the entire CCUS project lifecycle.
Meta has pledged to invest at least $35 million in carbon removal projects as part of its broader effort to reach net zero emissions across its value chain by 2030. This commitment supports the U.S. Department of Energy’s Carbon Dioxide Removal Purchasing Challenge and demonstrates Meta’s dedication to sustainability and climate action.
INTERNATIONAL
Repsol E&P USA is undergoing a rebranding and will now be known as Repsol Earth Solutions USA, reflecting a stronger focus on sustainability and environmental initiatives.
China’s carbon market saw a significant milestone, with carbon prices reaching an all-time high of $14.62 per ton. This increase reflects the growing demand and commitment to carbon reduction in one of the world’s largest economies.
The Meadowbrook CCS project has secured its Carbon Sequestration Agreement from the Department of Energy, Government of Alberta. With regulatory and construction timelines in place, CO₂ injection could begin by the end of 2025, positioning Meadowbrook as one of the few global CCS hubs set to operate on this timeline.
The Moomba Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project, a joint venture between Beach and Santos Ltd, has successfully started injecting CO₂ emissions into depleted underground reservoirs. This marks a major milestone for one of the world’s largest CCS projects, which is expected to capture and store approximately 1.7 million tonnes of CO₂ annually. The project, located adjacent to the Moomba Gas Plant in South Australia’s Cooper Basin, exceeded expectations during the commissioning phase, achieving capacity rates shortly after first injection on 30 September 2024.
OTHER
Permian Basin Energy Growth Reflected in Electricity Load Data
The rapid growth in oil and gas activity in the Permian Basin is clearly visible in the region’s increasing electricity load. As direct air capture (DAC) technologies for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) continue to scale, this growth may surge even more in the next decade. The integration of CCUS and renewable energy in this region is a promising step towards a more sustainable energy future.
BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group has signed a long-term contract with Meta for 1.3 million nature-based carbon removal credits, with the option for an additional 2.6 million credits through 2038. This agreement is part of a reforestation initiative in Latin America aimed at mitigating climate change, supporting biodiversity, and benefiting local communities. This marks Meta's first significant carbon removal project in Brazil, with the credits coming from BTG Pactual's $1 billion reforestation strategy, advised by Conservation International.
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