An overview of the Department of Energy's CarbonSAFE Initiative: Moving CCUS toward commercialization

Abstract

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) Carbon Storage Program helps develop technologies that safely and permanently store carbon dioxide (CO₂) without adversely impacting natural resources or hindering economic growth. Since 1997, the program has significantly advanced carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) science and technology, with more than 10.5 million metric tons (MMT) of CO₂ safely stored. However, key gaps in experience and knowledge remain (e.g., the technology, expertise, and processes needed to safely characterize and monitor 50+ MMT-scale geologic CO₂ storage sites). DOE's Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise (CarbonSAFE) Initiative (launched in FY16) is beginning to address this gap. The CarbonSAFE Initiative currently consists of 13 projects in Phase I: Integrated Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Pre-Feasibility and six projects in Phase II: Storage Complex Feasibility. This article includes the latest updates from the CarbonSAFE Initiative.