Welcome to our weekly roundup on carbon capture, sequestration, and related technologies.
This week, we cover Climeworks' announcement of its Generation 3 direct air capture (DAC) technology. We also cover the European Commission's approval of €131 million in funding for Northern Lights' expansion, marking a significant step towards Europe's decarbonization goals. Lastly, we explore the partnership between Shearwater GeoServices and XOCEAN, set to revolutionize ocean data for sustainable energy transition.
Join us as we uncover the latest innovations driving carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability.
ExxonMobil Teams Up with Technip Energies and Turner Industries for Major Carbon Capture Project in Louisiana
ExxonMobil has awarded a contract to the Franco-American consortium of Technip Energies and Turner Industries to engineer, procure, and construct a cutting-edge carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) system in the US. This initiative, set to launch in 2026, targets Nucor Corporation’s direct reduced iron (DRI) plant in Convent, Louisiana. The Technip-Turner consortium, having previously completed the facility’s front-end engineering and design, will now advance the project with Technip handling engineering and procurement and Turner managing construction.
The CCUS system will condition, compress, transport, and store up to 800,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional iron production methods. This project will integrate with ExxonMobil's existing carbon transport and storage infrastructure in Louisiana, enhancing the region's decarbonization efforts.
Shearwater and XOCEAN Partner to Revolutionize Ocean Data for Energy Transition
Shearwater GeoServices and XOCEAN have announced a strategic partnership to combine Shearwater’s high-resolution seismic imaging expertise with XOCEAN’s ultra-low impact uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). This collaboration aims to deliver large volumes of ocean data and create innovative solutions to support and accelerate the energy transition, particularly in the CCS and offshore wind markets.
CPGC and BASF Partner to Launch Advanced Carbon Capture Systems on LNG Carriers
CSSC Power (Group) Corporation Limited (CPGC) is set to install its advanced Onboard Carbon Capture System (OCCS) on multiple liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, utilizing BASF’s OASE® blue technology. This initiative follows the signing of a Framework Agreement at the 2024 Shanghai International Carbon Neutrality Expo, marking a significant step towards the low-carbon transformation of the shipping industry. CPGC's OCCS aims to reduce CO2 emissions efficiently, leveraging BASF's technology known for its low energy consumption, minimal solvent losses, and flexible operating range.
This milestone builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023 and successful prototype testing validated by leading marine classification societies. CPGC and BASF are currently optimizing the detailed design of the OCCS unit for various ship types to achieve commercial viability.
Climeworks Advances Carbon Capture with Generation 3 Technology, Expands Operations in Louisiana
Switzerland-based Climeworks has announced the next phase of its carbon capture efforts with its advanced Generation 3 direct air capture (DAC) technology. This new technology can capture twice the CO2 per module compared to its predecessor while halving energy consumption and associated costs. The breakthrough is achieved through an upgraded filter that enhances surface contact with CO2, increasing capture efficiency and reducing operational time. The CarbonBrief's "The State of Carbon Dioxide Removal 2024" report highlights the significance of advancements like Generation 3 for corporate investors aiming to offset emissions. Climeworks’ Orca plant in Iceland, which uses second-generation technology to capture and permanently store carbon, set the stage for its larger Mammoth plant, which captures up to 36,000 tons of carbon annually.
Commercial-scale DAC is gaining traction, partly due to supportive policies such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act in the U.S., which incentivize the adoption of carbon capture technologies. The Biden administration’s mandate for carbon capture technology in hard-to-abate sectors by 2039 further underscores this momentum. However, maintaining progress requires clear policies and certifications for the carbon market, along with additional federal subsidies. Climeworks is also expanding its reach with a $50 million grant from the DOE’s Regional Direct Air Capture Hubs program to establish a DAC facility in Louisiana, slated to begin construction in 2026 using Generation 3 technology.
Northern Lights Secures €131 Million EU Funding for Expansion of Carbon Capture Projec
The European Commission has approved Northern Lights' application for €131 million in funding under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) program, reaffirming its commitment to the EU's 2030 decarbonization objectives. This funding marks a significant milestone for Northern Lights, enabling the next expansion phase of its project. As one of four CO2 transport and storage projects selected for CEF funding, Northern Lights plays a crucial role in establishing a Europe-wide infrastructure for carbon management. Managed by oil and gas giants Shell, Equinor, and TotalEnergies, Northern Lights is set to become the world's first cross-border CO2 transport and storage infrastructure network, offering vital services to industries across Europe.
Northern Lights' ambitious growth plans include injecting 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 this year, with an additional 3.5 million tonnes planned for the next development phase. With the largest theoretical storage capacity in Europe, the Norwegian Continental Shelf is poised to play a pivotal role in Europe's carbon capture and storage goals, contributing significantly to the global climate change mitigation efforts.
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We hope you enjoyed reading this week and hope to see you back next week for more!