Welcome to the 18th week of The Carbon Corner!

Today, we will highlight project updates across the space, including expansion and opposition.

Value Maritime CCS Receives New Orders for Carbon Capture System

Between Purus Marine and Nordic Hamburg, four new orders of Value Maritime's Filtree System scrubbers have been placed for new box ships.

These systems are built to convert captured CO2 exhaust into a battery charge. The battery is then brought onshore for use and returned to the vessel to be recharged after it is drained. These 12.5 MW scrub systems provide up to 30% carbon capture and also scrub for sulfur and particulate emissions.

We can expect installation for these systems between September 2023 and February 2024.

An Overview of the Eight Bills Associated to Summit Carbon's $4.5 Billion Pipeline Project

YYou may recall the 2,000 pipeline project by Summit Carbon that we discussed before. Many have raised opposition to the build, which resulted in the passing of eight bills by the North Dakota Legislator. State Senator Jeff Magrum has sponsored all bills and believes it gives the people an opportunity to testify.

Below is a summary of the eight bills.

​ "SB 2209: Requires 85% of landowners to provide a voluntary easement to obtain right of eminent domain. Counties could set a higher standard.

​ SB 2212 : Removes carbon capture pipelines from being granted the right of eminent domain even if granted common carrier status.

​ SB 2228: Requires 100% consent for underground carbon dioxide storage from the owners of the pore space, eliminating eminent domain. Hearing 8:30 a.m., Jan. 26, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

​ SB 2251 : Survey crews must obtain written permission from property owners. (There are currently multiple lawsuits involving Summit and surveyor access.) Hearing 8:30 a.m., Jan. 27, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

​ SB 2310 : If a person prevails against the state in a court hearing, (as in a surveyor access case) they are entitled to be reimbursed for court costs.

​ SB 2313 : If property is taken by eminent domain, a court must increase the award by 33%. Hearing 9:30 a.m., Jan. 27, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

​ SB 2314: Requires a public hearing in each county where the pipeline company is seeking common carrier status.

​ SB 2317 : Requires 85% of landowners to consent to underground storage space. Counties could set a higher standard. Hearing 10 a.m., Jan. 26, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee."

Still, many approvals are needed for the pipeline, including route approval by the state Public Service Commission and a storage permit from the state's Industrial Commission. The Industrial Commission includes Gov. Doug Burgum, a vocal advocate for carbon capture and storage.

Environmental Protection Agency Announces $50 Million Grant Intended for States and Tribes Developing Carbon Sequestration Programs

On January 19, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $50 million in grant funding from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The goal is to encourage and assist states and tribes in developing Underground Injection Control Class IC programs.

This program ensures that groundwater resources remain protected while supporting CO2 sequestration efforts.

Those interested in the grant have until March 20, 2023, to submit their letters. After receiving submissions, the EPA will determine who will receive the $50 million in funding.

Louisiana Federal Judge Grants Preliminary Injunction on Moratorium Passed by Livingston Parish in Air Products Case

In October 2021, Air Products signed an operating agreement to build a $4.5 billion hydrogen manufacturing plant in Ascension Parish and store carbon underneath a state-owned property, Lake Maurepas.

As you can imagine, Air Products received opposition. One was a year-long moratorium on seismic testing and Class V test well that was passed on seismic testing and Class V test well in September by the parish. This was done in hopes of slowing down the operation. Shane Mack, a Livingston councilman who spearheaded the moratorium, said, "My thought is that one of the local government's main responsibilities is land management, management of resources and to protect the people — to offer them the best quality of life that life has to offer. I felt like local government should have the authority and right to write some legislation to protect the people and protect the lake."

Air Products responded by suing the parish government in federal court, arguing that the parish surpassed its authority. The lawsuit reads, "This ordinance, if allowed to take effect, will directly contravene the authority of the Louisiana Legislature, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board, the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, among others. It will also introduce uncertainty into a tightly structured and coordinated state and federal regulatory scheme."

Judge Shelly Dick of the Middle District Court of Louisiana granted a preliminary injunction on the moratorium, which means that Air Products can proceed with project plans until trial, which is set for April 8, 2024.

Plans of Expansion for Navigator CO2 Pipeline

Last July, Navigator CO2 filed an application with the Illinois Commerce Commission to approve their multi-state, 1,300-mile pipeline. The project was scoped across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Recently, the company withdrew its application with the intent to re-file at a later time.

Navigator CO2 announced that the re-submitted plan will include an expansion of an additional lateral route and at least one new sequestration site. Despite the change of plans, construction is still expected to be in 2024, with completion set for 2025. The estimated cost of the project is $3.2 billion.

Potential Applicants for DAC Facilities

Four groups have expressed interest in the $3.5 billion federally funded direct air capture (DAC) program that supports the building of four facilities in the United States. One of the interested parties is close to home, the University of Houston. The other three include CarbonCapture Inc. of California, Sustaera Inc. of North Carolina, and the University of Michigan. The deadline to submit letters of intent to the Department of Energy is February 17, and complete applications are due mid-March.

ExxonMobil to Move Forward with Largest Low-Carbon Hydrogen Facility

Earlier this week, ExxonMobil announced they are taking the next steps in developing their low-carbon hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon capture facility, which will be the largest of its kind. The facility is expected to produce one billion cubic feet of low-carbon hydrogen daily. More than 98% of the CO2 produced will be captured and stored.

This project is just the start. After the plant's expected opening in 2027, ExxonMobil plans to make the development network available to third-party CO2 emitters in the area.

We hope you have enjoyed reading this week's issue of The Carbon Corner! See you next week!

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/

If you have questions or comments, please get in touch with us at info@schaperintl.com.

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