ACCCE Details More Than 80 CO2 Capture, Storage Projects
The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE) recently released a list of more than 80 carbon capture and storage demonstration and research projects, predominantly underway in the U.S.
These projects represent all facets of carbon capture and storage. They are intended to pave the way for coal-based electricity generation technologies to be used in ways that not only control pollutants regulated by federal clean-air statutes, but break new ground in achieving significant reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide.
"Over the last 30 years, the coal-based electricity sector has invested more than $50 billion in technologies to reduce traditional emissions regulated by federal and state clean air act laws. Now we're seeking to expand what we've learned in that process to effectively guide and jump-start efforts to develop and deploy technologies that capture, transport, and safely store CO2," said Joe Lucas, Senior Vice President for ACCCE.
The database shows nearly 100 projects in all -- more than 80 in the U.S. -- that are related to various aspects of carbon capture and storage. Some are actual commercial-scale CO2 storage projects. A few demonstrate commercial use of available carbon capture technologies. The majority represent ongoing research into the carbon capture and storage techniques that will be required for broad commercial deployment in conjunction with coal-based generation in the U.S. and around the world.
Lucas stresses that the list is merely representative. It includes projects that are easily identified because of government cost-sharing or other publicly available documentation. What it is unable to identify are those proprietary projects and technologies that do not receive government funding and will not be announced until they are ready for public demonstration. He also said that the level of industry funding for these projects -- which outweighs government investment -- clearly demonstrates that the private sector is doing its fair share to bring carbon capture and storage technologies to the marketplace.
"Obviously, the research, demonstration, and deployment of such new technologies won't be cheap. The projects on this list alone represent an investment of over $1 billion," said Lucas. "As it has done in the past and will continue to do in the future, the private sector will be a full partner with government in sharing these current and ongoing project costs. Bringing proven technologies to market on an accelerated timetable will require even greater government and private investment."
There is reason for encouragement, Lucas believes, "Our industry supports President-elect Obama's plan to invest in five full-scale carbon capture and storage demonstration projects. By investing in energy infrastructure projects like advanced clean coal projects, we can create jobs, promote domestic energy security, ensure access to affordable and reliable electricity, and promote continued progress in reducing emissions and protecting the environment."