Q2 Newsletter
Welcome to the latest issue of Alliance Connect, a newsletter keeping you up to date on the latest news and happenings from the Houston CCS Alliance. In this edition, we’re reflecting on our activities throughout the spring and early summer. With a variety of events and recently published content, we continued to drive CCS awareness and further support for this exciting technology.
Calpine To Begin Phase 1 Implementation of Carbon Capture at their Baytown Energy Center
The Houston CCS Alliance is proud to share that member company Calpine was recently awarded $12.5 million to begin Phase 1 of their Baytown CCS project by the Department of Energy (DOE) as part of a larger award of up to $270 million to complete the facility.
The Houston CCS Alliance is proud to share that member company Calpine was recently awarded $12.5 million to begin Phase 1 of their Baytown CCS project by the Department of Energy (DOE) as part of a larger award of up to $270 million to complete the facility.
During Phase 1, Calpine will complete a Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study to determine CO2 capture, transport, and storage specifications and will start workforce planning, project permitting, as well as complete a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process.
This award marks a significant step forward for CCS technology in Texas and is the third project for which Calpine has received a DOE award.
You can learn more about Calpine’s efforts to expand CCS by visiting their project page and read more about their grant award on the Houston CCS Alliance website.
US Department of Commerce features Houston CCS Alliance’s community engagement in CCUS Handbook for Policymakers
Energy leaders and government officials around the world are looking to the Houston CCS Alliance as a model for effectively educating and engaging communities about the opportunities for CCS. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s CCUS Handbook for Policymakers showcases the Alliance’s best practices for community engagement, which have garnered widespread support from elected officials and local organizations, generated positive media coverage, and enhanced public awareness and education of CCS technologies in Southeast Texas.
In Houston, we’re bringing together industry, local officials, and communities to collaboratively expand the implementation of CCS and position our region as a global leader in the energy transition. By highlighting successful strategies and outcomes, the Handbook equips policymakers worldwide with actionable insights to foster similar initiatives in their respective regions. Click here to read more.
International Delegates Look to Houston CCS Alliance as Community Engagement Model
In May, the Alliance presented to an international delegation about industry’s collaborative approach to raising awareness of carbon capture and storage and the benefits it can bring to our region. Government officials visited Houston from South and Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India) and Brazil as part of a program hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program to engage countries globally on utilizing CCS to reduce carbon emissions from hard-to-abate industrial sectors.
During their trip to Houston, these officials were able to engage with industry, academics, and other leaders for a comprehensive up-close look at how CCS is being implemented and expanded on the Gulf Coast and why our community engagement efforts are so crucial.
Engaging New Supporters at the Baytown Chamber of Young Professionals Breakfast
On June 13, the Houston CCS Alliance presented to the Baytown Chamber of Young Professionals during their monthly meeting. The Alliance discussed the science behind CCS, the impact it could have on the Baytown community, and the role Class VI well primacy will have in making CCS a reality not just in Baytown but across Texas. Brandon Maxwell of ExxonMobil was also on hand to discuss their efforts in the Baytown area and commitment to advancing carbon capture and storage across the Gulf Coast.
We look forward to furthering our relationship with the Baytown Chamber and continuing our efforts throughout the Baytown area.
Building Community Support in Deer Park
In June, the Alliance presented at Deer Park Rotary Club, engaging local business owners and community leaders about the benefits of CCS and the importance of bringing this technology to the Ship Channel region.
Dr. Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Vice President of Energy and Innovation at the University of Houston, was on hand to explain the science behind this fifty-year-old technology and answer questions from attendees. ExxonMobil’s Brandon Maxwell provided an industry perspective on the opportunity for CCS to accelerate the energy transition in our region.
Advancing CCS throughout the Ship Channel is essential to reducing our city’s carbon emissions and boosting the local economy. We are excited to continue working with Mayor Jerry Mouton and the Deer Park community to spread awareness about CCS and the positive impact it could have on the Deer Park area.
CCS Shows Strong Bipartisan Appeal in New Survey
Recently, the Houston CCS Alliance published key findings of its latest opinion survey, which can be found on the Houston CCS Alliance’s Resources page. Carbon capture and storage continues to have strong appeal across our region, gaining support among Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. Notably, 70% of likely Republican voters indicated that they would be more likely to support elected officials who support advancements in CCS in Houston, an increase of 22% since October 2021. Democrats and swing voters similarly indicated strong support for elected officials that support CCS. Regardless of their political preferences, Texans on the Gulf Coast strongly regard CCS as a common sense solution that can make our environment and economy stronger for everyone.
Class VI Well Primacy: Mission Critical for Texas
Want to learn more about how you can help expand CCS in Texas?
The Houston CCS Alliance published a helpful explainer detailing the need for Class VI well primacy and how people across our region can voice their support. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) manages CO2 injection well permits—also known as Class VI wells—across 47 states, including Texas. Unfortunately, the EPA’s review process can take up to five years for a single permit, backlogging projects and discouraging new investment in CCS. To avoid these lengthy wait times, states have the option to request “primacy” from the EPA. Primacy enables state agencies to oversee and expedite the permit approval process while still adhering to the same rigorous federal safety standards. Since the Texas Railroad Commission has both the experienced staff and resources to review the growing number of permit requests, this shift reduces approval timelines to just months, enhancing efficiency without compromising safety or environmental integrity.
In December 2022, Texas formally petitioned the EPA for primacy. Now, as the EPA prepares for a public comment period, it’s crucial for stakeholders, including residents, community leaders, and local organizations to support Texas’ request for primacy and help make CCS a reality in Texas.
Join us in advocating for efficient, sustainable energy solutions through responsible and efficient regulation that prioritizes Texas’ energy goals. Check out our primacy one-pager here.
In the News
Have you heard the news? CCS activity among our Houston CCS Alliance member companies is quickly gaining momentum. In case you missed it, find some of the latest news headlines below.
The DOE has awarded Calpine $12.5 million for Phase 1 of its Baytown CCS project. This is part of a larger award of up to $270 million for the project.
Texas Opens More Coastal Waters For Carbon Storage Wells – Texas Tribune
Texas has opened more than a million acres of offshore, state-owned waters for proposals from companies to inject greenhouse gas underground for permanent disposal as a means to mitigate climate change.
Interested in reading more news from the Houston CCS Alliance? Click here to visit our Newsroom.
The Houston CCS Alliance is a coordinated effort among some of the world’s most innovative energy, petrochemical, and power generation companies to advance the development of carbon capture and storage in the greater Houston industrial area. Members include: BASF, Calpine, Channelview Cogeneration, Chevron, DOW, ExxonMobil, INEOS, Linde, LyondellBasell, Phillips 66, and Shell. Interested in staying up-to-date with the Houston CCS Alliance? Share this email with your contacts and sign up here.
