August 18, 2010

NYSERDA-Supported Research Project Including Cornell and University at Buffalo Receives $1.3 Million from Department of Energy

Project to Study Potential of Storing Power Plant Gas Emissions in Underground Rock Formations

A team of research institutions that includes Cornell University and the University of Buffalo received a $1.3 million funding award from the US Department of Energy to study the potential of storing power plant gas emissions in underground rock formations, according to an announcement made today by Secretary of Energy Steven Chu.

This initiative, which will also receive $250,000 of NYSERDA funding, will focus on storage options in eastern shale. It was among 15 projects that will receive Department of Energy funding to develop technologies that will safely and economically store carbon dioxide in geologic formations. The projects will support the goals of helping reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by developing and deploying near-zero-emission coal technologies.

The NYSERDA funding includes $100,000 for Cornell University, $100,000 for the University at Buffalo, and $50,000 to Advanced Resources International, Inc. for project management.

"The projects announced today are part of this Administration's commitment to leading the world in carbon capture and storage technology," said DOE Secretary Steven Chu. "These projects will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, develop clean energy innovation and help produce jobs for Americans across the Nation."

“I congratulate Cornell University, the University of Buffalo and Advanced Resources International, Inc. This award will help further important research to find safe, secure and economic alternatives for storing carbon dioxide emissions,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray, “This award is a tribute to the world-class clean energy research being done at universities all across New York State.”

Efforts are underway to demonstrate safety and permanence of geologic sequestration through initiatives such as the Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships. NYSERDA is a member of the Midwest Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership.

This and 14 other selected projects will complement ongoing efforts by developing and testing technologies that address critical challenges for geologic storage including injectivity of CO2 into the reservoir, storage capacity, plume migration, and containment by caprock and other trapping mechanisms.

Contact:

Jeffrey Gordon, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 ext. 3544
jrg@nyserda.ny.gov