Innovative Carbon Capture Projects Pave the Way for Clean Energy

The advancement of carbon capture technology has become a focal point for companies worldwide. With the increasing need to address climate change, several industry leaders have taken bold steps to contribute to a cleaner future. Among them, TDA Research, Schlumberger Technology Corp., and other notable collaborators are leading the charge in developing carbon capture solutions that could transform the way we handle emissions from power plants and industrial processes.

>> RELATED: Dry Fork Secures Federal Funding Under $1B Large-Scale Carbon Capture Pilot Program

TDA Research and Schlumberger: Pioneers in Carbon Capture Technology

A recent project near Basin Electric’s Dry Fork Power Station in Gillette, Wyoming, marks a significant milestone in carbon capture efforts. TDA Research, in collaboration with Schlumberger Technology Corp., is deploying an innovative carbon capture system. The project has received nearly $5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as part of the Carbon Capture Large-Scale Pilot Projects Program. This funding is expected to help create a system that captures more than 90% of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from coal flue exhaust.

Working alongside the Wyoming Integrated Test Center, TDA Research will focus on capturing CO₂ using its stable, low-cost sorbent-based technology. The project’s ultimate goal is to capture up to 158,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually, potentially providing a scalable solution for coal plants worldwide.

The Role of Schlumberger in Carbon Capture

Schlumberger, a global leader in technology for the energy industry, brings invaluable expertise to this groundbreaking pilot project. The company’s involvement ensures that the carbon capture system is optimized for real-world applications, particularly in industrial settings. The project, which is located at the Wyoming Integrated Test Center, aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of carbon capture technology in reducing emissions from coal-fired power plants. By collaborating with TDA Research, Schlumberger is helping to push the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of emissions reduction.

>> In Other News: Mantel Secures $30 Million to Bring Low Cost, Energy Efficient Carbon Capture to the Heavy Industrial Sector

The DOE’s Support and Vision for Carbon Capture

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has played a pivotal role in the development of this project. The DOE’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) has committed to supporting carbon capture technology, providing substantial funding to multiple pilot projects across the country. The goal is to improve the efficiency and environmental performance of coal and natural gas use in power generation.

The Carbon Capture Pilot at Dry Fork Power Station is the first project to receive funding under the Carbon Capture Large-Scale Pilot Projects Program. As part of Phase 1, TDA Research and Schlumberger will conduct a front-end engineering design (FEED) study to determine the specifications for carbon capture. They will also focus on workforce planning, permitting, and community benefit activities.

Collaboration with Other Institutions

In addition to TDA Research and Schlumberger, the University of Maryland at College Park, Washington State University (WSU), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are key partners in this initiative. Each institution brings its own unique expertise to the table. WSU’s advanced cryogenics lab will play a crucial role in developing thermofluid models for the carbon capture station, while the University of Maryland will evaluate safety risks. NREL will focus on leakage and sensor technologies to ensure the system's safety and efficiency.

This collaboration among top-tier research institutions and industry leaders ensures that the pilot project will be grounded in cutting-edge science and technology.

Expanding Carbon Capture Beyond Wyoming

While the current project is based in Wyoming, the potential applications for this technology extend far beyond the state. If successful, the system developed by TDA Research and its partners could be scaled for use at other coal plants around the world. This would represent a massive step forward in global efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions and combat climate change.

Additionally, the project is part of a broader initiative under the Carbon Capture Large-Scale Pilot Projects Program, which received funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The DOE’s investment in these projects highlights the importance of developing new technologies to reduce emissions from traditional energy sources.

The Future of Carbon Capture: Opportunities and Challenges

The success of this project could have far-reaching implications for the energy industry. Carbon capture technology is increasingly seen as a vital component of efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources. However, challenges remain in scaling this technology for widespread use. As TDA Research and Schlumberger continue to develop and refine their system, the focus will be on making the technology both effective and cost-efficient for industrial applications.

The project at Dry Fork is not the only initiative of its kind. In February 2024, the DOE shortlisted three other large-scale pilot projects, including efforts in Kentucky and Mississippi. These projects will also focus on capturing CO₂ emissions from industrial processes and aim to demonstrate the scalability of carbon capture technology.

Kentucky and Mississippi’s Contributions to Carbon Capture

In Louisville, Kentucky, PPL Corp. is leading a carbon capture project at Cane Run Generating Station. This pilot, supported by up to $72 million in federal funding, seeks to capture 95% of CO₂ emissions from Cane Run 7, a gas-fired unit. The project uses advanced heat-integrated technology developed by the University of Kentucky to capture an estimated 90,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually.

Similarly, RTI International and International Paper are collaborating on a project in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Their goal is to implement a carbon capture system at a paper mill, capturing at least 90% of the CO₂ from the mill’s power boiler flue gas. This ambitious initiative could capture 120,000 metric tons of CO₂ per year and transport it for permanent geologic storage.

A Transformational Moment for Carbon Capture

As these projects unfold, they represent a significant moment in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The collaboration between research institutions, private companies, and government agencies is a testament to the potential of carbon capture technology. If successful, these pilot projects could pave the way for large-scale adoption of carbon capture systems, helping to combat climate change and promote a more sustainable future for the energy industry.