Deep Sky is the world’s first IP-agnostic carbon removal project developer, helping to reverse climate change. &nbsp;Deep Sky aims to remove billions of tons of carbon from the atmosphere and ocean and permanently store it underground, back where it belongs.&nbsp; As a project developer, Deep Sky brings together the most promising direct air and ocean carbon capture companies under one roof to bring the largest supply of high quality carbon credits to the market. They are commercializing carbon removal and storage solutions like never before.How did Deep Sky come to be?&nbsp; Deep Sky is founded by the two co-founders of the travel company, Hopper – Fred Lalonde and Joost Ouwerkerk – as well as former Airbnb and The Blackstone Group CFO, Laurence Tosi. Since Hopper is in the travel industry, co-founder Fred Lalonde began learning more about how to offset emissions from the travel industry. He realized that cutting emissions will never be enough – instead, we need to remove every single ton of carbon dioxide that we’ve created.&nbsp; From there, Hopper Trees was created, a program to plant two trees for every booking on Hopper. The Hopper Trees program is still active, and has already planted 25M trees. Reforestation projects remain an important pathway to offset carbon emissions, but engineered carbon removal helps make a large-scale impact, quickly. &nbsp;As he learned more, Fred realized the true emergency that climate change poses, and started Deep Sky with Joost Ouwerkerk and Laurence Tosi to have a deeper impact.Deep Sky One aims to be the nexus for CO2 removal at scale. How does the project incorporate all the different aspects of the Carbon Removal Value Chain? Deep Sky One will be our first commercial facility – where we’ll take the best tech and learnings from Deep Sky Labs and scale it by building commercial plants across Canada. This operation will incorporate all aspects of the carbon removal value chain – capture (from air and ocean), transport, geological storage, and ultimately, the sale of high value carbon credits through proprietary software that will track CO2 for credit generation.What specific natural resources in Canada does Deep Sky leverage to facilitate CO2 removal and why are they considered ideal? Canada is a prime location for carbon removal technology due to its renewable hydroelectric energy, immense wind power potential and rich geological makeup. A natural resource giant, Canada has the world’s fourth largest land area and the world’s largest territorial waters. When it comes to underground carbon storage, we’re building geological storage sites in ultramafic rock and saline aquifers where carbon can be safely stored for thousands of years. Saline aquifers involve injecting CO2 miles underground in sedimentary reservoirs. In ultramafic rock, carbon mineralization is the process by which carbon dioxide combines with rock elements to precipitate as a solid mineral, such as a carbonates. It is a chemical reaction that happens when certain rocks, like mafic or ultramafic, are exposed to carbon dioxide.Canada’s rich geology has several suitable formations for carbon sequestration via mineralization, including basaltic sequences and several abducted ultramafic slabs containing peridotites and serpentinites, all of these able to release the cations necessary to trigger the carbon mineralization reaction.Deep Sky values partnerships with start-ups, government entities, and local communities. How do these partnerships secure renewable energy and ensure responsible&nbsp;stewardship of the natural&nbsp;environment?Deep Sky is fortunate to have broad support in the private and public sectors, as well as at the local level. We’re committed to building long-term relationships with the communities in which we hope to operate. Securing renewable energy is a key aspect of our model in order for us to deliver high quality carbon credits. We’re working closely with energy providers to ensure that we’re strategically maximizing the efficiency of the grid and acting as a responsible steward of power.The project highlights both direct air capture and ocean&nbsp;capture. What are the advantages of these approaches, and how do they contribute to the overall carbon removal strategy?There’s no net zero without carbon removals. That’s because the amount of CO2 that has accumulated in our atmosphere is so dense, that the only way to slow global warming is to physically take CO2 out. So, in addition to widespread emissions reductions, we also have to actively remove existing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to fully address the climate challenge.We need to remove from both the air and ocean because of Henry’s Law - a natural ocean/air exchange of carbon. If we removed CO2 from only the air, a high saturation of CO2 in the ocean would outgas back into the atmosphere. So, we have to remove it from both at same time in equal amounts to maintain equilibrium.Storage of CO2 is also an important component to the project. How does Deep Sky One ensure the safe sequestration of captured carbon underground?The safety and protection of the environment and the communities in which we operate is our priority. That's why we implement a known and tested solution on a large scale. &nbsp;We’ve been doing some form of CO2 injection into the ground since the 1960's, so this isn't a new process. However, our company aims to implement it at a large scale across Canada to fight climate change. There are a number of ways to safely sequester CO2: saline aquifers, in-situ mineralization and ex-situ mineralization.&nbsp; • Deep saline aquifer storage is the process where CO2 will be in liquid form when stored underground. The natural geology and weight of the ground keeps the CO2 in a stable and safe position.&nbsp; • In-situ mineralization is the process where CO2 is injected into underground CO2-reactive rocks, thereby converting CO2 into stone. • Ex-situ mineralization occurs in high-pressure and/or high-temperature reactors where alkaline rocks react with concentrated CO2.&nbsp; This carbon mineralization process naturally occurs over hundreds or thousands of years. But in-situ carbon mineralization has been proven to permanently sequester CO2 as calcite rock in less than 2 years, with no harmful byproducts, and with no chance of returning to the atmosphere.What environmental benefits are expected from the implementation of Deep Sky One's carbon removal projects?Deep Sky One will contribute to the overall reduction of CO2 in our atmosphere, reducing harmful global warming which directly threatens humanity. A reduction in CO2 offers other benefits, such as improved air quality, a decrease in adverse health effects from air pollution, and reduces the risks of extreme weather events, sea level rise, and disruptions to ecosystems.What steps are being taken to commercialize these solutions and make them accessible on a broader scale?Deep Sky’s business model is specifically designed to scale Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), bring costs down, and maximize energy efficiency. First, we’re building the world’s first carbon removal innovation center, called Deep Sky Labs. Labs will make it possible for many different direct air capture (DAC) and direct ocean capture (DOC) concepts to be tested simultaneously. It serves as an opportunity for all of us to learn alongside each other, share learnings with the broader CDR industry, and work towards commercialization. To be clear, Deep Sky Labs isn’t a money maker for Deep Sky – instead, it’s purely an effort to advance the carbon removal industry as a whole.&nbsp; In Phase two, we will build our first commercial facility – where we’ll take the best tech and learnings from Labs and scale it by building our first gigaton-level plant across Canada. Deep Sky is also developing software that will track, measure and benchmark each of the companies that join Deep Sky Labs against the best-in-class technology. With that information, the companies that participate will learn faster, evolve quicker and ultimately produce at scale faster.Author: Brooks Wallace,&nbsp;VP, Communications &amp; Marketing, Deep Sky <a href="http://www.deepskyclimate.com">www.deepskyclimate.com</a>&nbsp;Article published in Issue 1, 2024 Carbon Capture Magazine&nbsp;

2024-05-06 - Deep Sky Aims to Capture Gigatons of CO2 to Reverse Climate Change (Carbon Capture Magazine)

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Q&A with Brooks Wallace, VP, Communications & Marketing at Deep Sky
Questions by Danielle Piekarski & Photos by Deep Sky

Deep Sky Aims to Capture Gigatons of CO2 to Reverse Climate Change

While there’s little debate that the greenhouse gas emissions that sit at the heart of our planet’s unprecedented warming come from fossil fuel consumption and other human activities, clawing back these carbon outputs is a multi-faceted issue. In addition to efforts to transition to renewable power sources like wind, solar, and biomass, which remain essential to mitigating this crisis, leading scientists agree that reducing emissions is not sufficient; we must go further and faster with carbon removals. It’s estimated that we’ll need to capture and store as much as 9.5 billion metric tons of CO2 every year by 2050 to reverse legacy emissions enough to achieve international climate targets, according to the IPCC. Today, carbon removal facilities only capture a fraction of the emissions generated across the planet, and we urgently need a spectrum of high-quality solutions to scale our ability to remove carbon from the atmosphere. At the same time, spiking energy demand – driven largely by the growing needs of data centers, particularly those underpinning artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology, as well as new industrial and manufacturing facilities – also means we need to increase generation capacity rapidly to avoid an energy security crisis. This becomes more difficult to achieve through intermittent sources like wind and solar alone, which can’t be turned up and down when the grid is strained, opening an opportunity for solutions that can provide renewable, baseload power while permanently removing carbon from the atmosphere to fill this vital need.Bioenergy with CCS – a critical technology for decarbonization Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is a carbon removal technology that uses sustainably sourced biomass to generate renewable energy while permanently sequestering the carbon underground. Because BECCS is one of the only renewable sources that can generate baseload power around the clock, seven days a week, it can serve as the backbone of renewable power grids for when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing – a role fossil fuels often fill today.&nbsp; At the same time, BECCS captures post-combustion carbon at the stack and pipelines it into geologic storage, permanently securing it underground. These high-quality carbon removals are more straightforward to measure in comparison with other solutions like nature-based removals, making it much simpler to quantify the overall impact achieved. Compared to other carbon capture technologies, BECCS also has more diversified revenue streams – including renewable power generation, government incentives for carbon storage, and the sale of carbon dioxide removals (CDR) credits to offset emissions for other companies and industries. Because of this diversification, BECCS not only provides a clearer path to profitability but also offers a high-quality CDR at a much lower price point than alternatives like direct air capture (DAC). This results in a more sustainable and scalable path to adoption. Due to these advantages, BECCS is positioned to do much of the heavy lifting regarding carbon removals, but it doesn’t replace the need for additional carbon capture and renewable energy solutions. Technologies like DAC, while costlier to operate today, will play an important role in helping to reverse legacy emissions as well; in fact, BECCS could even power DAC facilities to ensure they’re running on renewable energy. The same is true for renewable power technologies – we need far more wind and solar capacity in addition to BECCS.Pioneering BECCS in the US and UK Drax believes that BECCS will be integral to decarbonizing the power sector and hard-to-abate industries. To this end, Drax has launched a new independent business unit this year that is focused on becoming the global leader in large-scale carbon removals. This business unit will oversee the development and construction of Drax’s new-build BECCS plants in the US and internationally, and it will work with a coalition of strategic partners to focus on an ambitious goal of removing at least 6 Mt of CO2 per year from the atmosphere. Previously, Drax successfully completed two BECCS pilots at Drax Power Station, the UK’s largest power station that contributes approximately 4 percent of Britain’s generation output and 11 percent of its renewables. The Drax team is now working to outfit Drax Power Station with BECCS technology that will remove an estimated 8 Mtpa of carbon while generating 10 TWh of power. This is slated to be the first carbon-negative power station in the world and is key to achieving Drax’s goal of becoming a carbon-negative company. Drax is also pursuing an initial target in the U.S. to have two BECCS plants built and operating by the 2030s. These will be the first large-scale, biomass-fueled power stations in North America, generating an estimated total of 4 Twh of power while sequestering approximately 6 Mt of CO2 per year.BECCS is an essential technology to help achieve global decarbonization targets. While it doesn’t replace the need for additional carbon capture and renewable power generation alternatives, its unique advantages can help reverse carbon pollution from the past while meeting the energy demands of the future.Author: Raj Swaminathan, Senior Vice President, Drax The claims and statements made in this article belong exclusively to the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carbon Capture Magazine or its advertisers. All questions pertaining to this article should be directed to the author(s).Article published in Issue 1, 2024 Carbon Capture Magazine

2024-05-02 - Spiking Energy Demand (Carbon Capture Magazine)

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Unlocking large-scale carbon removals through BECCS. 

Spiking Energy Demand

The quest for a sustainable industrial future demands innovative solutions to combat climate change. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is emerging as a powerful tool in our toolbox, promising to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from oil &amp; gas production activities, hard-to-abate industries such as steel and cement, and large fixed-point emitters such as traditional fossil fuel power plants. On its surface, CCS appears to be a fantastic ‘bridging’ technology allowing emission-producing activities to continue and abate more slowly as the harmful emissions they produce are captured and stored safely beneath the earth. Of course, as with all things, beneath the surface (pardon the pun) of this promise lies a complex web of technical complexity and geological uncertainty.Producing data Oil and gas reservoirs have long been our hidden companions, storing vast amounts of hydrocarbons in geological reservoirs within the Earth’s crust. These reservoirs deposited by nature millions of years in the past have only been seriously understood and exploited for their energy in the last 165 years following Drake’s famous well in 1859. Since that time, the tools and techniques used to explore for, and extract oil and gas have been developing constantly with time. From Schlumberger’s first logging well in 1927, the first 3D seismic survey in 1975 to the advent and increased use of remote sensing, 4D seismic, and Logging While Drilling (LWD) in the modern era. In addition to a huge volume of oil and gas, all this activity has produced staggering quantities of information on the characteristics of the subsurface and so when it comes to understanding the potential and the risks of large-scale CCS we are not at a standing start, indeed we are already sprinting.Dealing with the devil CO2 production is not only a by-product of the combustion of fossil fuels, but it is also present in often significant quantities in natural and associated gas. In this form, it is a nuisance to the oil and gas industry which typically needs to remove it prior to selling products to customers. Today, venting removed CO2 is the industry standard however this is increasingly recognized as unacceptable in a decarbonizing world and as such, CCS offers a palatable solution. Capturing and re-using this CO2 is not novel to the concept of CCS, however, the industry has recognized its potential to act as a strong solvent to strip additional oil from reservoirs as early as 1952 in a process known as CO2 Enhanced Oil Recovery (CO2 EOR). High-purity CO2 is a valuable substance then in certain locations and circumstances, however removing, transporting, and re-injecting it comes with immense challenges, due to its highly corrosive and toxic nature. To enable the development of CO2 EOR over the years significant innovations in the fields of materials, solvents, operations, monitoring, and HSE have already been made. CO2 EOR doesn’t solve the issue of abating carbon emissions, as it doesn’t aim to store the CO2 permanently. In fact, CO2 EOR increases oil production leading to more unabated emissions via atmospheric combustion. However, the innovations already made by the oil &amp; gas industry in how to “deal with the devil” of CO2 will be immensely instructive in launching the CCS industry. There are significant differences in CCS and CO2 EOR, not least the volumes project developers are planning to inject and the equally vast differences in financial models. That said, similarly to the global data picture of the subsurface, we are already in a strong position to implement CCS at scale and in short timeframes.Where are the projects? In roughly 670 developed hydrocarbon basins in the world, there are around 60,000 oil and gas fields developed. The location of these deposits has been determined by nature, however as the world has industrialized in the 20th century, large industrial centers have often grown in proximity to these basins due to the economic imperative to minimize transport costs. So, if we are in a position of understanding the subsurface, we have significant industrial experience in injecting CO2, subsurface reservoirs are often located close to major industrial centers and the world agrees that CO2 abatement is critical to avoid catastrophic climate change, you may well ask – where are all the CCS projects? In fact, current estimates show less than 40 active projects injecting CO2 in the world with only a minority of these injecting for the long-term CO2 storage.Change is coming Several factors have limited widespread development of CCS projects over the past couple of decades. The biggest of these is cost. CO2 EOR has a (relatively) simple to assess financial model, albeit with uncertainty on the level of improvement of production from the field. In the years following the Paris Agreement, financial models have been transformed with countries taking a range of approaches using both sticks and carrots. As of the beginning of 2023, the global capacity for storage of CO2 was around 40 million tons per year (Mtpa) (Global CCS Institute Report, 2023). Projects now making their way through early and advanced development include the Bayu-Undan CCS project with a capacity of 10Mtpa and the UK’s East Coast Cluster which is looking to have a capacity of 27Mtpa. Combine this with the super-projects that are being proposed such as the Houston Ship Channel CCS Innovation Zone (which proposes to store 50Mtpa by 2030 and 100Mtpa by 2040) and the change in magnitude the industry is currently going through is clearly seen.Regional trends Southeast Asia accounts for a little under 7% of global emissions. Alongside, this there is a high instance of CO2-rich gas fields in the region. Whilst these emissions are small when compared to India or China, several players in the region are rapidly scaling up projects. Industry leaders are seizing the opportunity to utilize the experience (and data) of projects in some of the more mature regions of the world. The development of the CCS projects required to mitigate emissions is accelerating.On the business side, agreements are proliferating across industries. In the subsurface, Southeast Asia can combine data from the long history of oil and gas operations while also benefitting from more mature CCS projects in North America and Europe.Subsurface uncertainty As the uncertainty within business cases and financial models of CCS development reduces, the uncertainty in the subsurface and issues around public perception remain. The use of simulation models has become fundamental when studying the subsurface. When considering long-term injectivity there is a heavy reliance on simulation. Due to the time (and computational resources) involved in building and running high-resolution models, it can be easy to slip into thinking that the model exactly represents the subsurface. As the adage, taught at university goes, “all models are wrong, some are useful.” This is completely applicable to the modeling of CO2 storage projects. Simulation modeling is a great tool for understanding and forcasting the performance of subsurface operations. However, all inputs to simulation models should be validated using empirical data. Data-driven tools like bMark™ CCS can validate interpretations and ground uncertainties by providing large-volume datasets. Understanding rock quality, heterogeneity, and injectivity by using high-quality datasets will allow models to be the most useful tools possible.Awareness of risk CCS projects face the same challenge as oil and gas developments whereby final investment decision is reached, and significant capital expenditures are often spent whilst operators only have extremely limited data on the subsurface – this is especially the case with aquifers. Analog data can provide us with powerful insights and allow us to mitigate uncertainty stemming from a lack of site data. From the Miocene Sandstone aquifers that are storage sites for proposed projects on the Gulf Coast in the USA, to the East Coast Cluster in the UK targeting the Bunter Sherwood Sandstone, a common theme is that we can utilize data from oil and gas operations from the same formation in other parts of the basin. This can allow a sweet spot for development whereby one benefits from wells drilled into the geological formation but also does not have significant historic wells from operations which are risks from a containment view. Figure 2 shows the Endurance storage site proposed for the East Coast Cluster in the UK. The regional gas fields which share the same reservoir formation are shown in green. Data from these fields can be used to validate interpretations and reduce uncertainty. Figure 3 shows examples of leveraging data databases for understanding subsurface properties. Where the target formation is not a formation also utilizedfor hydrocarbon extraction great insights can still extracted from data. Similar to frontier hydrocarbon exploration, estimations can be grounded based on geologically analogous environments in more mature areas – if one has access to data.Can CCS start a chain reaction of subsurface storage? Storage in porous media also has significant potential away from CO2. Historically, oil, natural gas, hydrogen, ammonia, and compressed air have been stored. &nbsp;Increasing the use and scale of storage for hydrogen would be required for a large-scale hydrogen economy. Last year saw the first storage of pure 100% hydrogen in geological formations. Novel concepts have been muted around storing electrical energy in saline aquifers through the use of electrolytes. Much like the expansion of oil and gas activities in the 20th century, the rampant development of CCS projects in the first half of the 21st century will add unprecedented volumes of data. Insights, data and understanding in the subsurface are set to continue at pace, let us make sure that we utilize the associated data to its maximum potential.Carbon Capture and Storage plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate change. This article emphasizes the increasing global capacity for planned CCS projects compared to previous EOR projects. It explores how the extensive history of hydrocarbon extraction yields valuable insights into subsurface conditions crucial for CCS. While simulation models are useful for predicting project performance, empirical data validation is indispensable. Leveraging analogue data from past operations in similar geological formations can mitigate uncertainties and comprehend risks. The article discusses the significance of CCS development in regions such as Southeast Asia, noting the relatively smaller dataset available in this region. Ultimately, it stresses the importance of utilizing the wealth of historical subsurface data to enhance the efficiency of CCS projects and deepen our understanding of subsurface processes.Author: Andrew Berrow, &nbsp;bMarkTM Development Manager, Belltree Limited <a href="https://belltreegroup.co.uk/energy-transition/carbon-capture-storage-screening-technology/">belltreegroup.co.uk/energy-transition/carbon-capture-storage-screening-technology/</a> The claims and statements made in this article belong exclusively to the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carbon Capture Magazine or its advertisers. All questions pertaining to this article should be directed to the author(s).Article published in Issue 1, 2024 Carbon Capture Magazine

2024-05-02 - Capitalizing on Innovation (Carbon Capture Magazine)

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Leveraging Subsurface Oil and Gas Field Data for Carbon Capture and Storage

Capitalizing on Innovation

The old adage that necessity is the mother of invention might very well describe efforts now moving forward in Wyoming. Wyoming is by far the largest coal-producing state in the U.S.; however, with the global pressure on coal energy production due to CO2 emissions reduction goals, Wyoming’s largest industry, mineral extraction, has been losing jobs since its peak 15 years ago. In an innovative project announced in January 2024, steam generation and clean energy technologies company Babcock &amp; Wilcox (B&amp;W) and energy producer Black Hills Energy are partnering to develop a commercial-scale facility in Gillette, Wyoming. This facility will turn coal into clean hydrogen fuel and capture and sequester the CO2 generated in the process while supporting Wyoming’s largest industry.&nbsp;The plant, to be built near Black Hills Energy’s Neil Simpson Power Station, will use B&amp;W’s patented BrightLoop™ chemical looping technology to produce 15 metric tons of clean hydrogen per day using Powder River Basin coal supplied by the nearby Wyodak mine. They aim to do it cost-competitively, at a lower cost than other methods of clean hydrogen generation.The companies recently announced the award of a $16 million matching funds grant from the Wyoming Energy Authority to fund permitting, engineering, and development activities of the BrightLoop facility. The funding underpins the state of Wyoming’s recognition of the tremendous positive impact of decarbonization and confirms its willingness to promote and support the development of a diverse set of technologies and solutions that can help meet environmental objectives while ensuring that coal-dependent local economies can continue to grow and prosper. &nbsp;The project is great news for Wyoming, which provides more than 41% of the nation’s coal supply – including 244 million short tons in 2022, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. &nbsp;Thousands of Wyomingites are employed in the coal industry through mining, transporting, and generating power with coal, and the state has a vested interest in preserving this industry, even as it sets ambitious CO2 emissions reduction goals. &nbsp;Wyoming is not the only state with resources and heavy economic investments in coal and other fossil fuels. Others, like West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania, are feeling the economic pinch as low- and zero-carbon energy alternatives like solar, wind, and hydropower move to the forefront, endangering thousands of jobs in the process.&nbsp;Despite high expectations of green energy job creation, these jobs have not yet materialized in the numbers anticipated. The country needs power, and with thousands of people employed in the coal industry, whether through mining, transporting, or electricity generation, coal states have vested interests in preserving the industry – at the very least to support the energy transition and ensure reliable power is available while the country and the world moves toward ambitious CO2 emissions reduction goals. &nbsp;&nbsp;B&amp;W’s BrightLoop technology holds the potential to revolutionize the coal economy, simultaneously producing hydrogen and sequestering or utilizing the resulting CO2. The widespread adoption of BrightLoop would not only safeguard against further job losses in the coal industry but would also create new jobs in hydrogen and associated industries. &nbsp; Benefits of BrightLoop&nbsp; Chemical Looping Technology The BrightLoop process uses a proprietary, regenerable particle and has been demonstrated to effectively separate CO2 while producing hydrogen and steam. BrightLoop has several benefits over other hydrogen generation alternatives: • Produces hydrogen from multiple feedstocks – BrightLoop can use a variety of solid and gaseous fuels as feedstock in the chemical looping process to produce a stream of hydrogen separate from a stream of CO2, reducing the amount of energy and fuel required to produce hydrogen from hydrocarbons and doing so more efficiently and affordably than incumbent hydrogen technologies paired with carbon capture. • Competitive cost – BrightLoop chemical looping can produce low-carbon hydrogen at a cost lower than current large-scale hydrogen generation technologies such as steam methane reforming (SMR) with carbon capture or electrolysis. • High rate of CO2 capture – Generally, BrightLoop has a much lower Carbon Intensity (CI) score compared to other hydrogen production methods when combined with carbon capture due to the inherent separation of CO2 and the wide range of feedstocks available. &nbsp; • Scalable for a range of applications – BrightLoop is scalable to accommodate small, medium, and large applications, such as local production for transportation, centralized hydrogen hub facilities, and industrial uses.How BrightLoop Works BrightLoop’s chemical looping process is based on the oxidation and reduction of a proprietary oxygen-carrier particle. The feedstock reacts with oxygen-carrier particles in a fuel reactor, forming reaction products that are predominantly CO2, while reducing the oxygen-carrier particles.&nbsp;The reduced oxygen-carrier particles then move to a hydrogen reactor where they react with steam to partially oxidize the particles and generate a stream of hydrogen. This reaction means that the hydrogen is produced directly from the steam, rather than through separation from other constituents of the feedstock.The oxygen-carrier particles are then transported to an air reactor where they are regenerated with air back to their original state in a heat-generating reaction. The fully regenerated particles are then returned to the fuel reactor to continue the “loop” process. &nbsp;The BrightLoop process can be used to produce not only hydrogen but also excess steam for process or electricity generation.What Comes Next&nbsp; The first phase of the Wyoming project is currently underway as B&amp;W works to complete the upfront design and lay the plant’s foundations. The second phase –currently anticipated to start in 2025 – will include the construction of the facility.The BrightLoop facility will supply hydrogen to the adjacent Neil Simpson complex to reduce its carbon footprint while it generates power. B&amp;W and Black Hills Energy also anticipate that the facility will be capable of providing up to 340 metric tons-per-day of CO2 to nearby coal bed methane or enhanced oil recovery operations. &nbsp;Upon successfully demonstrating the facility, B&amp;W and Black Hills Energy intend to develop a larger-scale project to produce up to 200 metric tons per day of hydrogen, further lowering the Neil Simpson complex’s carbon intensity.The BrightLoop process has other&nbsp;upsides beyond the obvious environmental and climate benefits of producing zero-carbon hydrogen. Because water is in short supply in Wyoming and other Western and Southwestern states, producing hydrogen from renewables like wind and solar using electrolysis (splitting water molecules to unlock the H2 from the O) or steam methane reforming (SMR) is often a non-starter or would be cost-prohibitive. The BrightLoop process is far more efficient in its water use and even captures water from the feedstock during the oxidation/reduction reactions.When CO2 is captured, hydrogen produced with the BrightLoop process qualifies as net zero-CO2 or, in some cases, net-negative CO2. The resulting clean hydrogen can be used in tandem with hydrogen produced by non-CO2-negative methods to offset a portion of those emissions and help plant owners qualify for low-carbon incentives from state and federal authorities.As B&amp;W and Black Hills Energy move toward making hydrogen production from coal with carbon capture a reality in Wyoming, the stage is being set for others that are looking to preserve jobs and keep communities vital. BrightLoop offers the chance to keep coal as part of our nation’s energy mix while forging a path for coal states and communities to participate in the rapidly growing hydrogen and clean energy economies.&nbsp; &nbsp;Author: Brandy Johnson, Chief Technology Officer, Babcock &amp; Wilcox The claims and statements made in this article belong exclusively to the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carbon Capture Magazine or its advertisers. All questions pertaining to this article should be directed to the author(s).Article published in Issue 1, 2024 Carbon Capture Magazine

2024-05-02 - Black Hills Momentum (Carbon Capture Magazine)

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Wyoming Hydrogen and Carbon Capture Project Utilizes Cutting-Edge Technology to Generate Clean Energy and Preserve Jobs 

Black Hills Momentum

MicroSeismic, Inc. (MSI) received a significant boost of $1,096,839 through a Department of Energy (DOE) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant program, underscoring the commitment to advancing scientific energy innovation and fostering clean energy development. MSI is set to embark on a test project that will see the implementation of their cutting-edge monitoring system branded as CO2SeQure®. CO2SeQure® will play a significant role in the long-term future of CCUS with its proven real-time monitoring for CO2 protocols - Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV). This system incorporates a permanent BuriedArray® of MSI sensors, autonomous data collection, telemetry, and automated event detection and location capabilities, all integrated with the operations center of CCUS facilities. MSI is currently evaluating potential sites, including CarbonSAFE projects. If you want to be considered as a possible test site facility for CO2SeQure®, contact Stephen Chelette, VP of Carbon at MicroSeismic at schelette@microseismic.com. The newly developed monitoring service by MSI, built upon their renowned BuriedArray® passive seismic monitoring system, will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of industrial-scale CO2 storage facilities. With its ability to swiftly and economically detect and mitigate induced seismic hazards, monitor reservoir integrity, and track the evolution of the injection plume and pressure field, this system represents a significant advancement in CO2 storage technology. Dr. Peter M. Duncan, CEO &amp; Founder of MicroSeismic, expressed gratitude for the continued support from DOE, emphasizing the importance of testing the turnkey service in real-world conditions. He highlighted the crucial role of MRV during injection to safeguard the integrity of storage formations and prevent environmental risks associated with CO2 leakage and induced seismicity. With its ability to detect and locate microseismic events, this system will allow CCUS site operators to mitigate induced seismic hazards rapidly and monitor reservoir integrity swiftly and accurately in real time. In addition, this permanent sparse array provides the necessary footprint to conduct low-cost time-lapse 4D seismic surveys for tracking the plume front at a significantly reduced cost. This system represents a substantial advancement in CO2 storage technology. Through initiatives like the DOE SBIR programs, the federal government continues to empower small businesses like MSI, driving innovation, job creation, and scientific advancement. These programs aim to translate scientific breakthroughs into practical solutions, supporting the transition towards a sustainable, net-zero future. With the DOE grant, MicroSeismic stands at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, leveraging its 20 years of expertise to contribute to the success of carbon net-zero initiatives. &nbsp;

2024-04-23 - SPOTLIGHT: MicroSeismic, Inc: Evaluating Test Project Sites to Support CO2 Sequestration (Carbon Capture Magazine)

MicroSeismic, Inc. (MSI) received a significant boost of $1,096,839 through a Department of Energy (DOE) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant program, underscoring the commitment to advancing scientific energy innovation and fostering clean energy development.

SPOTLIGHT: MicroSeismic, Inc: Evaluating Test Project Sites to Support CO2 Sequestration

Transitioning to net-zero emissions presents formidable challenges, particularly in the context of existing energy infrastructure. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) developers often face a multitude of obstacles, ranging from insufficient funding and resources to a lack of knowledge among stakeholders and community members. Despite these challenges, there are a growing number of projects and technologies demonstrating efficient and scalable solutions built upon existing infrastructure. By leveraging what's already in place, developers can avoid starting from scratch and instead focus on phasing out outdated methods in favor of new, more sustainable technologies. This approach not only conserves valuable resources but also maintains a structured system that can be relied upon if needed. From retrofitting industrial facilities to implementing innovative carbon capture technologies, these initiatives provide valuable insights and pathways for others to follow.&nbsp; On page 10, the Wyoming Hydrogen and Carbon Capture Project, spearheaded by Babcock &amp; Wilcox (B&amp;W) and Black Hills Energy, exemplifies the innovative solutions needed to navigate the transition to a net-zero emissions future. In a state heavily reliant on coal production, where the decline in traditional energy sectors threatens livelihoods, this project represents a transformative opportunity. By harnessing B&amp;W's groundbreaking BrightLoop™ chemical looping technology, the project aims to convert coal into clean hydrogen fuel while capturing and sequestering CO2 emissions. This not only addresses the pressing need for decarbonization but also preserves jobs and sustains local economies. As the project progresses, it sets a precedent for others grappling with similar challenges, offering a viable blueprint for preserving jobs, revitalizing communities, and driving progress towards a low-carbon future. The second article, found on page 14, delves into the wealth of existing subsurface oil and gas field data, showcasing its pivotal role in advancing carbon capture and storage efforts. Berrow discusses the historical evolution of oil and gas exploration techniques, emphasizing the vast amount of data generated and its relevance to understanding subsurface conditions crucial for CCUS projects. Through empirical data validation and analog data analysis, alongside simulation models, we can advocate for reducing uncertainty in subsurface modeling and maximizing the efficiency of CCUS projects.&nbsp; In the sprawling landscape of renewable energy innovation, the page 18 story of unlocking large-scale carbon removals through Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) emerges as &nbsp;a critical technology. By again repurposing existing infrastructure, echoing the sentiment of leveraging what's already in place to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy. Drax's pioneering efforts in BECCS, from successful pilots in the UK to ambitious plans for large-scale implementation in the US, exemplify this ethos of innovation within existing frameworks.&nbsp; Lastly, on page 22 we showcase Deep Sky, a company that is deploying a completely new idea while utilizing the existing opportunities in Canada. By harnessing Canada's abundant renewable resources and rich geological makeup, Deep Sky strategically positioned itself to lead the charge in carbon removal with the Deep Sky One as its flagship commercial facility. The project encompasses the entire carbon removal value chain, from capture to storage, all while emphasizing safety and environmental protection. Through innovative approaches like direct air and ocean capture, Deep Sky aimed to maintain equilibrium in the carbon cycle, mitigating the impacts of global warming and ushering in a future of sustainability.&nbsp; Together, these stories paint a picture of progress fueled by the strategic utilization of what's already in place, offering valuable insights and pathways towards a sustainable and resilient future. I hope that you enjoy the read!Published in Issue 1, 2024 Carbon Capture Magazine

2024-04-23 - Leveraging Existing Infrastructure for a Low-Carbon Future (Carbon Capture Magazine)

Transitioning to net-zero emissions presents formidable challenges, particularly in the context of existing energy infrastructure. 

Leveraging Existing Infrastructure for a Low-Carbon Future

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CCM_i124-Cover.jpg

Carbon Capture Magazine - Issue 1 2024 (with Directory)

Carbon Capture Magazine - Issue 1 2024 (with Directory)

Columns

Leveraging Existing Infrastructure for a Low-Carbon Future

Featured

Deep Sky Aims to Capture Gigatons of CO2 to Reverse Climate Change

Spiking Energy Demand

Capitalizing on Innovation

Black Hills Momentum

Departments

SPOTLIGHT: MicroSeismic, Inc: Evaluating Test Project Sites to Support CO2 Sequestration

Carbon Capture Magazine - Issue 1 2024 (with Directory).css-7jxktu{position:absolute;bottom:0px;left:0px;right:0px;height:3px;border-radius:3px;background-color:var(--chakra-colors-brandBlack);}

Columns

Leveraging Existing Infrastructure for a Low-Carbon Future

Featured

Deep Sky Aims to Capture Gigatons of CO2 to Reverse Climate Change

Spiking Energy Demand

Capitalizing on Innovation

Black Hills Momentum

Departments

SPOTLIGHT: MicroSeismic, Inc: Evaluating Test Project Sites to Support CO2 Sequestration

Carbon Capture Magazine - Issue 1 2024 (with Directory)