Episode 31 | Successful Sequestration | NRG Energy

NRG's Petra Nova facility's process.  Click here.

Source: NRG Energy, Inc.

Closer look at the carbon capture and storage (CCS) process.  Click here.

Source: NRG Energy, Inc.

Closer look at the Enhanced Oil Recovery process.  Click here.

Source: NRG Energy, Inc.

NRG's Petra Nova facility.

NRG's Petra Nova facility.

NRG's Petra Nova facility.

Compressed CO2 begins its journey from here to Texas oilfields for Enhanced Oil Recovery.

A keepsake from my clean coal days.  A sample of MHI's carbon capture technology, forever safe on my bookshelf thanks to Reggie.

A keepsake from my clean coal days.  A sample of MHI's carbon capture technology, forever safe on my bookshelf thanks to Reggie.

Clean coal technology does not get enough respect, and it was a major driver for me to start this podcast.

Coal still makes up 30% of our energy mix, and according to one of my earlier guests, capturing carbon is crucial for controlling our greenhouse gas dilemma.

Enter Petra Nova, a 250-megawatt, commercial scale facility, that is capturing 1.6 million tons of carbon per year. The facility is a joint venture between NRG Energy and JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration, and is located at NRG's existing WA Parish Generating Station.

The facility officially began operation April '17, and the event was marked by a visit from former Governor and now-Energy Secretary Rick Perry.

Over the years I've seen a lot of carbon capture projects announced and never materialize. However, after speaking with this week's guest, Business Development VP David Greeson, I think Petra Nova's success was a combination of several factors:

• The coal combustion process ("post-combustion"), is proven; the same as a typical coal-fueled boiler
• The carbon capture solvent, MHI/Kansai's CDR Process, is proven, stable and effective
• Texas oilfields have been sequestering CO₂ through an Enhanced Oil Recovery process for over 35 years
• Petra Nova and its partners are revenue sharing from the oil produced, not simply selling CO₂ or collecting carbon credits (a scheme they are not even participating in at this time)

In short, Petra Nova is an example of how to innovate by going with proven technologies, executing them together, and setting the stage for future success and widespread adoption.

Useful Links:

• Petra Nova - Official NRG webpage
• Petra Nova - Department of Energy
• Enhanced Oil Recovery - Department of Energy
• Kansai Mitsubishi Carbon Dioxide Recovery Process - MHI Website