We’re back with another update on our carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) programs!
But first, let’s take a moment to celebrate the addition of two new members into our Associate Membership program.
We look forward to building powerful partnerships with both Kairos Power and Terrestrial Energy.
When discussing CCUS, storage tends to steal the spotlight. It’s important to remember the utilization aspect. CCUS isn’t just about locking away carbon—it’s about unlocking new possibilities.
Captured CO2 can be transformed into a variety of useful products, from sustainable aviation fuel and building materials to enhanced oil recovery and agricultural growth. Local industries throughout the region are creating both environmental and economic benefits by finding innovative ways to turn CO2 into a valuable resource, and we aim to help them succeed.
In October 2024, the Board received two project awards.
The first, the Southeast Direct Air Capture (DAC) Hub, is focused on establishing the necessary framework to support the commercial deployment of two separate CO2 DAC facilities in Mobile County, Alabama, using technologies developed by 8 Rivers and Aircapture.
The second, the Tri-State Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Hub, is a CarbonSAFE Phase III project spanning West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania with the commercial developer Tenaska.
These awards expand the Board’s existing carbon management programs to 12 ongoing projects across the SSEB region and beyond!
Southeast Direct Air Capture (SEDAC) Hub
The Southeast DAC (SEDAC) Hub aims to erect the foundations for direct air capture technology deployment in Mobile County, Alabama.
The project will complete engineering and design studies needed to build and operate two DAC systems capable of storing 100,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. That CO2 might then be sold to various businesses for industrial processes such as enhanced oil recovery, curing concrete, and creating synthetic fuels.
The map illustrates existing CCS activities in the Mobile County area as well as the three stages of Hub development.
The official kickoff meeting was held virtually on December 16, 2024. In the time since, members of the team have participated in multiple engagement events focused on the Hub. These engagements included discussions with companies such as direct air capture original equipment manufacturers and industries local to the region that are interested in decarbonizing their operations.
Work on this project will be conducted under the purview of SSEB with 8 Rivers, Aircapture, Crescent Resource Innovation, ENTECH Strategies, Georgia Institute of Technology, Mitternight, RTI International, the University of Alabama, and the University of South Alabama.
Tri-State CCS Hub
This project is developing a CO2 storage hub in Ohio and West Virginia in an industrial region spanning parts of West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
The map illustrates the location of carbon emitters in the region.
Scientists will study four underground rock formations to determine their ability to securely store CO2. The team also will develop a broad engagement effort to promote collaboration among state agencies with the goal of facilitating large-scale deployment of CCUS technologies in the region.
SSEB leads the project team composed of Tenaska, Projeo, Ohio State University, West Virginia University, and the West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey.
SECARB-USA
The Southeast Regional CO2 Utilization and Storage Acceleration Partnership (SECARB-USA) supports the U.S. Department of Energy’s goal of ensuring reliable, affordable, and sustainable fossil energy. It builds on previous research to address knowledge gaps in carbon capture and storage.
SECARB-USA team members spoke at international and regional conferences, including the 17th Greenhouse Gas Technologies conference in Canada and a Georgia environmental policy event. Our team also organized a Georgia CCS Summit, which gathered state leaders, researchers, and industry experts to discuss carbon capture and storage (pictured below).
Recently, researchers from Oklahoma State University and SAS analyzed news coverage of CCS in 15 states, focusing on how public opinion varies based on local industries and politics. Their findings focused on media sentiment and opportunities to improve public support (data illustrated below).
CCUS Acceleration Consortium
To expand CCUS technology, a team of experts from nearly 80 organizations including industry, universities, and government formed the CCUS Acceleration Consortium.
The group is led by the Southern States Energy Board with the University of Houston’s Center for Carbon Management in Energy as the leading academic partner.
The Consortium aims to identify challenges in scaling up CCUS, attract industry investment, and promote commercialization efforts. The group organizes expert discussions on policy, regulations, business models, financing, and public engagement to grow CCUS technology as a viable and innovative solution for carbon management.
Consortium members are listed below.
Looking Ahead
As we continue expanding our fossil energy and carbon management efforts, SSEB remains committed to driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and ensuring a secure energy future. With new projects, flourishing partnerships, and ongoing research, we’re making significant strides in CCUS research and deployment across the region.
The map below shows our current and retired projects investing nearly $750 million into our country’s energy future.
Thank you for staying engaged with our work—together, we’re turning challenges into opportunities.
