The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded nearly $5 million to a carbon capture pilot project. The project takes place at the Dry Fork Power Station, a coal-fired power plant in Wyoming. It is part of the DOE’s Carbon Capture Large-Scale Pilot Projects program, demonstrating advanced carbon capture technology.
Wyoming Integrated Test Center Hosts Pilot Project
Basin Electric owns the Dry Fork Power Station, which houses the Wyoming Integrated Test Center (ITC). The ITC offers a unique testing environment with 20 MW of coal-based flue gas. Researchers can develop and advance carbon management technologies here.
TDA Research and Schlumberger Technology Corp. will collaborate to build a carbon capture system. The system uses TDA’s low-cost, highly stable sorbent-based technology. It employs a vacuum and concentration swing adsorption method.
Project Targets High CO2 Capture Efficiency
The research team aims to achieve a capture capacity exceeding 90% of the carbon dioxide emissions. These emissions come from the coal flue exhaust, with a purity level above 95%. If successful, the mechanism could capture up to 158,000 metric tons of CO2 annually.
Key points about the project’s CO2 capture efficiency:
- Targets capturing over 90% of CO2 emissions from coal flue exhaust
- Aims for a high purity level of captured CO2, exceeding 95%
- Could capture up to 158,000 metric tons of CO2 per year
- Uses TDA’s low-cost, highly stable sorbent-based technology
- Employs a vacuum and concentration swing adsorption process
In Phase 1, the project will conduct a front-end engineering design (FEED) study. This study determines specific details for the capture process. The team also explores carbon storage options through Wyoming CarbonSAFE. They consider other potential emissions offtake solutions.
Project Focuses on Community Benefits and Future Growth
As the project progresses, the research team develops reliable relationships. These relationships will deliver community benefits in later growth stages. The team undertakes staff planning, permit arrangements, and information sharing with the National Environmental Policy Act review process. These activities are ongoing at this stage.
DOE’s Carbon Capture Large-Scale Pilot Projects Program Supports Project
The DOE’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) shortlisted the Wyoming project. It is one of four initiatives under the Carbon Capture Large-Scale Pilot Projects Program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) supports this program.
The DOE has approved funding for the Dry Fork project. However, it is still reviewing the remaining candidates. These include carbon capture pilots in Louisville, Kentucky, Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Big Spring, Texas.
The DOE’s continued investment in carbon capture technology shows the nation’s commitment. This commitment reduces greenhouse gas emissions and advances clean energy solutions.s emissions and advancing clean energy solutions.
Read More: WMU Receives $5M DOE Grant for Carbon Capture and Storage
