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1. A carbon capture game-changer (VIDEO)

 

Innovative technology from carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) developer NET Power could change everything about clean energy development in the U.S.  

• NET Power cleanly generates electricity and captures all of its own carbon, so it operates with zero emissions.

While capturing emissions from a typical natural gas plant requires a ton of extra gear, NET Power’s solution is much simpler.

• A NET Power plant burns gas with pure oxygen, which is more efficient and produces fewer pollutants – the products are just CO2 and water.
• Instead of steam, the produced CO2 is used to turn the turbine, and the resulting CO2 emissions can be recycled back into the combustor.

The company is now focusing on commercialization and global deployment, and the first commercial-scale NET Power plant could be powering the grid as early as 2026.

What’s clear: ClearPath CEO Rich Powell explains how NET Power works in our latest educational video.
 

2. World’s largest DAC plant breaking ground in TX

  

Occidental Petroleum (Oxy) is planning to begin construction on the world’s largest direct air capture (DAC) plant of its kind in West Texas later this year.

• Oxy is working on the plant with its subsidiary 1PointFive and Canadian DAC technology company Carbon Engineering.
• The plant will capture up to half a million tons of CO2 per year, with potential to scale up to 1 million tons per year.

The plant is expected to begin operation in 2024.

What’s clear DAC is just one type of carbon dioxide removal (CDR), a fast-growing clean energy technology. Learn more on our in-depth policy page.
 

3. ClearPath Action supports House GOP energy strategy

 

ClearPath Action joined a coalition of 26 clean energy organizations in support of the House Republican Energy, Climate, and Conservation Task Force’s policy framework.

The plan’s six policy focuses include:

• Unlock American Resources
• American Innovation
• Let America Build
• Beat China and Russia
• Conservation with a Purpose
• Build Resilient Communities

What’s clear: Republicans have created a clear path toward effective clean energy and climate policy, and it is already receiving broad, enthusiastic support.
 

4. First-ever permanent CO2 storage on public land

  

The Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved a first-of-its-kind carbon storage project on federal land.

• The approved application from ExxonMobil is to construct a sequestration well and pipeline in Lincoln and Sweetwater Counties, WY.
• Once complete, the well and pipeline will store about 60 million cubic feet of CO2 per day approximately 18,000 feet underground.

Though CO2 has been stored underground temporarily since the 1940s, this proposal marks the first time that BLM has approved a permanent sequestration well on federal land.

What’s clear: Expanding access to federal lands for carbon storage projects could unlock a wealth of potential to get the U.S. on track to meet its emissions reduction goals.
 

5. First-ever permanent CO2 storage on public land

  

Exciting opportunities lie ahead for American energy, with public and private entities making strides in clean energy innovation.

ClearPath was thrilled to bring a delegation of Congressional staff to Illinois for our Clean Energy Innovation Academy (CEIA) educational trip.

• We saw first-hand how a nuclear facility operates on a tour of Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station; and
• Visited Argonne National Laboratory, where American scientists and engineers are researching and developing innovative clean energy solutions.

We look forward to continuing our Clean Energy Innovation Academy in 2023.

Plug in: Check out the full recap of our CEIA educational trip here.
 

6. First-of-its-kind carbon capture tech receives $2 million investment

  

A new technology from carbon capture developer Mantel has received a $2 million investment backed by technology investing firm The Engine.

• The funds will be used to accelerate development, testing, and deployment of the innovative new technology.

Mantel’s novel solution is the first to utilize molten salts that can operate at the high temperatures found inside boilers, kilns, and furnaces which is inherently efficient and lower-cost.

• The salts are used to selectively absorb CO2 from point sources, such as power or industrial facilities, or the atmosphere to produce a cleaner stream of CO2 that can then be utilized elsewhere or sequestered.

What’s clear: Carbon capture remains one of the most promising clean energy technologies, and American companies are constantly innovating in the CCS space.
 

7. ICYMI

• California lawmakers passed legislation that would allow Diablo Canyon, the state’s last operating nuclear plant, to continue operation.
• Fervo Energy raised $138M to build and operate their next-generation geothermal power plants.
• The Department of Energy (DOE) announced $540 million in funding for clean energy research led by universities and National Labs.
• DOE also announced $31 million in funding to develop ten selected CCS projects.
• Abilene Christian University has submitted an application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build a molten salt research reactor on campus.
• ClearPath Advisor DJ Nordquist explains why nuclear is a crucial part of a clean energy portfolio in RealClear Energy.