GILLETTE, Wyo. — The University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources, the Wyoming Business Council and the Wyoming Energy Authority are considering applying for funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Four Regional Clean Direct Air Capture Hubs program.
It might be a chance for Wyoming to strengthen its economy, the news release said.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s program, made possible by the Investment in Infrastructure and Jobs Act, has allocated $3.5 billion over the next five years to establish four regional direct air capture hubs, a fact sheet said. Each hub must be able to capture at least 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and the infrastructure to transport and sequester or utilize the captured carbon dioxide.
They’re asking stakeholders to weigh in on direct air capture activities in Wyoming, which could include a DAC test center, commercial components, shared infrastructure or market considerations. Stakeholders should submit this form by Nov. 30 if they want to engage with state partners on Wyoming direct air capture initiatives, like the Hubs program opportunity.
Direct air capture is a form of carbon capture, utilization and sequestration. In direct air capture, ambient air is processed and carbon dioxide is separated. Carbon dioxide is then stored underground, used for enhanced oil recovery or converted into products. Carbon dioxide capture technology and infrastructure, with direct air capture, may lead to technology innovation and commercialization of other sources of CO2, such as coal-fired utility plants.
Wyoming Business Council Chief Strategy Officer Sarah Fitz-Gerald said in the release that the team’s looking forward to hearing from stakeholders.
“Wyoming is well positioned to continue to leverage its assets and industries while meeting the lower carbon needs of the evolving marketplace, and we are looking for a broad range of input in advance of any funding opportunity announcements,” she said.
Wyoming has more than 40 billion tons of characterized geologic CO2 storage, CO2 transportation infrastructure and policies that support carbon management project developers, the release said.
SER Executive Director Holly Krutka said the interagency partnerships’ leadership in the endeavor indicates the commitment to developing new industries in Wyoming. She said the team hopes that stakeholders’ insights will make the effort even more successful.
Industry leaders, elected officials, community groups, tribes and the public are all considered stakeholders, the release said.
More information is available here.
