Request for Expression of Interest for State Direct Air Capture Initiatives Released by UWs SER

 
direct air capture expression of interest

The University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources (SER), the Wyoming Business Council (WBC) and the Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA) have released a request for expression of interest to solicit input from key stakeholders on direct air capture activities and initiatives in Wyoming.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Four Regional Clean Direct Air Capture Hubs program -- part of the Investment in Infrastructure and Jobs Act -- may present an opportunity for Wyoming to create economic growth and resilience by encouraging development in the direct air capture (DAC) industry.

DAC is a form of carbon capture, utilization and sequestration in which ambient air is processed, and the carbon dioxide (CO2) is separated and permanently stored underground, used for enhanced oil recovery or converted into products. The CO2 capture technology and infrastructure -- developed in conjunction with DAC -- may lead to technology innovation and commercialization of other sources of CO2, including coal-fired utility plants.

“With the experienced carbon management leadership in our region, we are looking forward to hearing from stakeholders who are interested in engaging with us on this opportunity as well as those who have questions and concerns,” says Sarah Fitz-Gerald, WBC’s chief strategy officer. “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.”

According to Fitz-Gerald, the state has been a national leader in CO2 management, assets, infrastructure, policy, research and development for decades. Wyoming’s carbon management industry includes more than 40 billion tons of characterized geologic CO2 storage, CO2 transportation infrastructure that has been proven via enhanced oil recovery, and policies that create expedience and certainty for carbon management project developers.

As market forces increasingly demand lower emissions energy, the state has an opportunity to leverage Wyoming’s leadership in carbon management to support core industries and encourage economic growth and community resilience.

“We are optimistic about this opportunity for Wyoming,” says SER Executive Director Holly Krutka. “The fact that this effort is being led through interagency partnerships is indicative of the level of commitment we have to develop new industries in the state. By including industry insights in this collaboration, we hope to increase the potential for successful outcomes and innovative solutions.”

The request for expression of interest provides an opportunity for stakeholders such as industry leaders, elected officials, community groups, tribes and the public to provide essential information and input as the state of Wyoming considers the application and elements of a DAC hub.

The request opened Nov. 16 and will close Wednesday, Nov. 30. For more information, go here.

About UW’s School of Energy Resources

SER collaborates with stakeholders at the state, national and international levels to advance energy technologies and policies to grow and support Wyoming’s robust energy sector. SER’s mission is to promote energy-driven economic development for the state, and it leads UW’s talent and resources for interdisciplinary research and outreach, fulfilling Wyoming’s promise to be a global leader in a thriving and sustainable energy future.

About the Wyoming Business Council

Through leadership, policy and investments, WBC stands firmly upon Wyoming’s heritage while advancing innovation, business creation, recruitment and growth to build resilient communities and create opportunities to thrive. The council envisions a future in which traditional Wyoming values and innovation go hand in hand to create opportunities so that communities can confidently withstand economic uncertainties and continue to thrive for generations to come.

About the Wyoming Energy Authority

WEA advances Wyoming’s energy strategy by driving data, technology and infrastructure investments. Focusing on an all-of-the-above energy mix, WEA’s strategy includes products from legacy industries, along with the newer players of renewable energy and emerging opportunities in hydrogen, advanced nuclear, geothermal and rare earth elements. The Wyoming Legislature created WEA in 2020 by merging the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority and the Wyoming Pipeline Authority.

 

 
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