GULF COAST
Climeworks has partnered with carbon management company CapturePoint Solutions LLC to support the transportation and storage needs of its Direct Air Capture (DAC) facilities in Project Cypress, Louisiana. This commercial-scale DAC initiative will utilize CapturePoint’s expertise in CO₂ management, strengthening carbon capture infrastructure in the Gulf Coast.
Exxon Mobil has signed an agreement with the New Generation Gas Gathering (NG3) project to transport and store up to 1.2 million metric tons of CO₂ per year from its Louisiana facility. NG3, which gathers and treats natural gas from east Texas and Louisiana for delivery to Gulf Coast markets, will support Exxon's CO₂ reduction goals while also expanding LNG export capabilities in the region.
The Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (DOE-NETL) has announced project selections for its Carbon Storage Validation and Testing (CarbonSAFE) initiative under FOA 2711. Twenty-three projects have been awarded a total of $518 million to support the development of large-scale CO₂ storage sites capable of sequestering 50 million metric tons or more over 30 years, further advancing commercial carbon storage solutions.
The Southern States Energy Board, based in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, plans to investigate a large-scale offshore CO₂ storage site in Texas state waters near Mustang Island, Corpus Christi. This site could provide decarbonization solutions for 35 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually generated within a 100-mile radius, including emissions from Corpus Christi’s industrial sector. The project will focus on detailed site characterization, preparing NEPA and permit requirements, and developing technical and economic plans for future construction phases.
DOE Funding: $51,105,440
Non-DOE Funding: $12,772,498
Total Project Value: $63,877,938
Evergreen Sequestration Hub LLC, based in Houston, Texas, aims to create a reliable and cost-effective CO₂ storage hub with a storage potential of approximately 250 million metric tons. The initial phase will target over 50 million metric tons of CO₂ injection. The project will leverage subsurface data from a stratigraphic test well to confirm geological suitability and inform applications for Class VI injection wells, aiming for community benefits as part of its long-term impact.
DOE Funding: $27,845,233
Non-DOE Funding: $6,961,308
Total Project Value: $34,806,541
Houston-based RPS Expansion LLC plans to expand the River Parish Sequestration Project to accommodate up to 384 million metric tons of CO₂ transportation and storage for industrial emitters in Louisiana’s Chemical Corridor, serving the Baton Rouge to New Orleans area. This phase will include site characterization, permitting, and four injection wells, each with a capacity of 2 million metric tons per year. The expansion will add 216 million metric tons of CO₂ storage capacity over 30 years, targeting emissions from major industrial manufacturers.
DOE Funding: $9,000,000
Non-DOE Funding: $2,812,516
Total Project Value: $11,812,516
USA
Illinois State Senator Paul Faraci has proposed legislation (SB3968) to prohibit carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) activities over the Mahomet Aquifer, a sole-source aquifer providing essential drinking water to Illinois residents. This proposal, sparked in part by ADM’s recent CO₂ migration outside of the permitted zone at a nearby CCS site, highlights concerns over environmental protection and CCS technology. The bill could have far-reaching implications for the future of CCS projects in Illinois and potentially across the U.S.
Key Provisions of SB3968
Amendment to the Illinois Environmental Protection Act: The bill proposes to amend the state’s Environmental Protection Act to include restrictions on CCS activities near sensitive groundwater resources.
Definition of Sole-Source Aquifer: The bill defines a “sole-source aquifer” as one designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Safe Drinking Water Act, which includes all upstream areas.
Prohibition on CCS in Sole-Source Aquifer Zones: The primary provision prohibits CCS activities in any facility overlying, underlying, or passing through these aquifers.
Legislative Progress
SB3968 was introduced by Senator Paul Faraci (Democrat) on October 11, 2024, and gained Senator Laura Fine (Democrat) as a chief co-sponsor on October 17, 2024. Currently, the bill is in the Senate Assignments Committee and is at the early stages of the legislative process with roughly 25% progression.
The South Dakota Supreme Court has ruled against Summit Carbon Solutions’ petition to be classified as a common carrier for its proposed carbon pipeline, which aims to transport CO₂ from ethanol plants in multiple states to a storage site in North Dakota. The court’s decision, based on the assertion that carbon is not a commodity, prevents Summit from using eminent domain to acquire land in South Dakota. As a result, Summit cannot compel landowners to sell their property for the pipeline project within the state.
Implications for the Pipeline Project
With this ruling, Summit Carbon Solutions will need to negotiate directly with landowners in South Dakota rather than relying on eminent domain. While the Iowa Utilities Board has approved the pipeline, Summit will now face additional hurdles in seeking permissions and negotiating agreements across various states.
INTERNATIONAL
Fugro Webinar: Unlocking the Secrets of Offshore CO₂ Storage
Fugro is hosting an upcoming webinar titled Unlocking the Secrets of Offshore CO₂ Storage, which will explore advancements, challenges, and insights into offshore carbon storage solutions. This event aims to educate industry professionals on innovative strategies for secure CO₂ sequestration beneath the seabed.
CO₂ Ship Transport Calculator by SINTEF
SINTEF has developed a CO₂ Ship Transport Calculator, accessible online, which aids in planning and assessing CO₂ transportation by ship. This tool is available for stakeholders to explore options for efficient and cost-effective CO₂ transport solutions. Access the calculator here.
OTHER
Climeworks, a leading provider of carbon removal solutions, has signed a long-term contract with Morgan Stanley to remove 40,000 tons of CO₂ by 2037. This partnership, Climeworks’ second-largest to date, strengthens its role as the anchor technology provider for the U.S. Department of Energy-supported Direct Air Capture Hub Project Cypress. Morgan Stanley’s commitment to this initiative highlights its dedication to advancing new climate technologies in the U.S.
Microsoft has signed an agreement with Ebb Carbon to remove up to 350,000 tons of CO₂ over the next decade using Ebb’s Electrochemical Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) technology. Initial CO₂ removal of 1,333 tons is scheduled, with the potential for additional purchases. Ebb Carbon will employ Isometric’s OAE protocol for measurement and verification, a first for ocean-based carbon removal methods on a carbon registry. This partnership aligns with Microsoft’s goal to become carbon negative by 2030.
The Carbon Removal Alliance, a nonprofit advocating for the CO₂ removal sector, is urging the U.S. government to establish standards and regulations to enhance transparency and build confidence in this rapidly growing industry. The recent report recommends improvements in monitoring, reporting, and verification to align with safety standards, which currently constitute the only U.S. regulations in this sector. Leading companies like Heirloom and Climeworks are among the Alliance’s members, signaling strong support for greater oversight.
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