In the evolving landscape of carbon capture, sequestration, and sustainable energy technologies, recent advancements and strategic initiatives highlight significant strides towards global climate goals.
From Climeworks achieving third-party certification for its pioneering direct air capture technology under the Puro Standard, to Siemens Energy's pivotal role in Saudi Arabia's ambitious transition to net-zero emissions by 2060 through cutting-edge gas-fired power plants, each development underscores the critical role of innovation and collaboration in mitigating carbon footprints worldwide.
Join us as we explore these groundbreaking developments and more.
Louisiana Leads with Innovative Carbon Capture Projects by Heirloom
Heirloom, a direct air capture company, has announced new carbon removal and storage projects in northwest Louisiana, marking a significant advancement in the state's efforts to combat climate change. Utilizing innovative limestone-based technology, Heirloom can reduce the natural carbon absorption process from years to just three days.
This method will enable the company to remove 320,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to the emissions of over 76,000 gas-powered cars. Despite some criticism that carbon capture may distract from other emission reduction efforts, proponents argue that it is a crucial component of a comprehensive climate strategy.
The first facility at the Port of Caddo-Bossier in Shreveport is set to become operational in 2026, with a larger facility to follow in 2027. While the exact storage site for the captured carbon dioxide is yet to be determined, officials assure that safeguards will be in place to protect public health. This project is seen as a blueprint that can be replicated globally, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to address climate change.
Groundbreaking BECCS Methodology Validated: A Major Leap Toward Net Zero
Drax and Stockholm Exergi have achieved a significant milestone with the validation of their new methodology for bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) by DNV, a leading certification and technical advisory service. This methodology ensures compliance with ISO standards, giving buyers confidence in the integrity of carbon dioxide removals (CDRs) delivered through BECCS.
The validation supports the growth of the voluntary carbon market, which is crucial for scaling technologies essential to achieving Net Zero. The rigorous approach endorsed by DNV sets a new standard for measuring, reporting, and verifying carbon removals, addressing a gap identified by leading climate authorities.
With Drax's ambition to lead in large-scale carbon removals and Stockholm Exergi's plans for Europe's first large-scale BECCS facility, this collaboration marks a pivotal step in the fight against global warming. The initiative aims to provide a clear framework for high-integrity CDRs, ensuring sustainable biomass use and conservative net removal quantification. As the methodology enters the EU's consultation process, it paves the way for robust, industry-wide standards essential for mitigating climate change.
Equinor Secures Denmark's First CCS Exploration Permit with Ørsted and Nordsøfonden
Equinor, in collaboration with Ørsted and Nordsøfonden, has been awarded its first carbon capture and storage (CCS) exploration permit in Denmark, marking a significant step towards reducing industrial emissions. The project, named CO2Storage Kalundborg, aims to develop a CO2 storage facility approximately 1400 meters underground in North West Zealand, with a potential capacity to store up to 12 million tons of CO2 per year.
This initiative is crucial for hard-to-abate industries, helping them maintain industrial activity while reducing emissions. If successful, CO2 storage could begin by the end of this decade. The exploration phase, which includes rigorous environmental assessments, will leverage Equinor's nearly 30 years of experience in safe CO2 storage from the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The strategic location near Ørsted’s existing infrastructure, including the Kalundborg CO2 hub and the Asnæs Power Plant, positions the partnership to establish a comprehensive CO2 capture, transport, and storage value chain. This project aligns with Equinor's ambition to achieve 30 to 50 million tons of CO2 transport and storage capacity per year by 2035, highlighting the potential for substantial environmental and commercial benefits.
Climeworks Sets Industry Benchmark with First Third-Party Certified Direct Air Capture Plant
Climeworks has achieved a major milestone as the first direct air capture company to receive third-party certification under the Puro Standard for its carbon dioxide removal activities. Their Orca plant in Iceland, which captures up to 4,000 tons of CO2 annually using geothermal energy, was certified by Puro.earth after a rigorous evaluation and third-party audit. This certification ensures that the carbon removal processes are transparent, high-quality, and meet stringent criteria for traceability and long-term storage.
Previously, direct air capture projects were self-certified, but Climeworks' adherence to external standards sets a new industry benchmark. This achievement not only validates Climeworks' technology but also raises awareness about the complexities and costs associated with removing CO2 from the atmosphere.
Siemens Energy Powers Saudi Arabia's Net-Zero Ambition with Cutting-Edge Gas Plants
Initially operating in simple cycle mode from 2026, these plants are slated for full-fledged combined-cycle operations a year later, symbolizing a landmark milestone in Saudi Arabia's pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. Siemens Energy has also committed to a long-term maintenance agreement worth USD 1.5 billion for the two power plants, further cementing its role in ensuring a stable energy supply and fostering sustainable growth.
Schaper Energy Consulting is a professional engineering firm offering carbon strategy services to CCS site developers. Check out some examples of our projects here: https://schaperintl.com/carbon-strategies/
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