The Heat Beneath Our Feet: The U.S. Needs More Geothermal Energy
Hello I’m Matt Mailloux from ClearPath.
What if I told you one of our best clean energy resources is right under our feet? We take for granted the heat buried in the Earth’s core. But have you ever thought about turning that heat into electricity — or harnessing it to power a heavy manufacturing site?
That’s ok if you haven’t, because at ClearPath, we think about this a lot!
Geothermal is one of the most reliable, zero-emissions energy sources. Even though it provides 24/7 clean reliable power, it is often the most overlooked. The good news is that private companies are now using geothermal to meet our energy needs – powering datacenters, U.S. manufacturing, and affordably keeping the lights on.
Enhanced geothermal projects are ready to go. Using technology from the oil and gas industry to unlock heat in a much wider set of geologic areas.
Some often think of geothermal as a technology prime for the Western U.S., but as these new innovations progress — we could see states all across the country deploying enhanced geothermal. Today geothermal is less than one percent of the U.S. electric grid. But, by 2050 the NREL predicts it could increase to provide up to 60 gigawatts of power added to the grid. That’s the type of energy supply we’ll need to meet ever-growing demand.
First, let’s take a look at two exciting companies putting innovation into action... and then....we’ll look at the policy barriers standing in the way.
Fervo Energy is an enhanced geothermal company based in Houston, that leverages oil and gas technology to get heat. Fervo’s first projects rapidly reduced costs, reaching parity with drilling costs for oil & gas.
Eavor [“Ever”] — Is another company pioneering the future of geothermal energy, using a series of closed loop wells that collect heat through conduction.
These two companies, paired with federal R&D support from the DOE FORGE site… have advanced drilling techniques to make drilling new geothermal wells more predictable, reduce upfront costs, and encourage more private sector investment.
With promising developments like these, let’s talk a little bit about the policy barriers that are holding them back. For starters, out of the $62 billion for demonstration projects at DOE from the IIJA, geothermal received a fraction of that amount.
Think about it this way, Geothermal received just 10 percent of the funding allocated to technologies like energy storage or carbon management. We will need all of these resources to meet energy demand and provide clean, affordable, and reliable energy.
But perhaps the biggest roadblock to geothermal is the permitting process. Geothermal projects can trigger environmental review up to 6 different times during development. Congress can expedite reviews for resource confirmation wells – like regulations for oil & gas development have allowed for two decades. Congress has been working to address these policy challenges in a bipartisan manner.
Expediting environmental reviews and funding demonstration projects could lead to the huge increases in geothermal capacity like I mentioned before. It’s time for Congress to unlock the heat beneath our feet.
Turning the U.S. Hydrogen Field of Dreams Into Reality (Utility Dive)
This op-ed was originally published by Utility Dive on October 14, 2024. Click here to read the entire piece.
Perhaps a line from the classic American film “Field of Dreams” best summarizes the approach to hydrogen production and infrastructure: “If you build it, they will come.”
Increasing manufacturing and energy production in the U.S. is obviously good economic policy, but also strong climate policy, because our environmental standards are some of the strongest in the world. Unlike fuels in use today, hydrogen produces no carbon when it’s burned or used as a feedstock and has applications for the industrial sector including steel, cement and chemicals. The U.S. is sitting on the potential to produce more, we just need policies that work.
Clean energy project developers and those invested in lowering global emissions have rallied around hydrogen as a piece of the puzzle. The $8 billion Department of Energy Hydrogen Hubs have the potential to get these projects off the ground, but the clock is ticking on deployment.
ClearPath in Brazil: Advancing U.S. Clean Energy Leadership
Stepping outside of the Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation (CEM/MI) meetings in advance of the G20 energy ministers’ summit in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, the faint smell of smoke and visible haze from Amazonian wildfires was a stark reminder of the fragile balance between economic growth and the natural environment. Locals explained the fires were both from natural causes – given recent droughts – but some set intentionally by farmers or developers to clear the land. ClearPath often emphasizes that the U.S. produces energy, goods, and agricultural products in a more environmentally responsible manner than many other nations, and my experience in Brazil was an impactful reminder about the need for America’s global clean energy leadership.
The CEM/MI gathering also highlighted the need for U.S. engagement abroad, in many ways. Perhaps the biggest was the context of Brazil's current G20 presidency and upcoming COP30 host in 2025. Strengthening U.S. ties with Brazil and like-minded partners is essential – not only to advance clean energy but also to prevent China and Russia from dominating key markets and supply chains.
Brazil: A Key U.S. Partner in Clean Energy and Beyond
Brazil’s role as a growing energy powerhouse positions it as a crucial U.S. partner in regional and global discussions about energy, economics, and environmental responsibility. The gatherings in Brazil – bringing together leading thinkers and stakeholders from government, industry, and NGOs – were a prime opportunity to engage with all who share our commitment to a cleaner, more secure energy future. Brazil’s energy infrastructure – such as the Itaipu Binacional Dam, designed with American and Italian engineering that powers approximately 10% of Brazil’s energy needs and an astonishing 80% of Paraguay’s—demonstrates that large-scale projects are achievable with the right investment and leadership.
Nick Lombardo, Senior Program Director – International Policy
ClearPath’s participation at CEM/MI was focused on advocating for an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes advanced nuclear, carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), and hydrogen – technologies that ensure economic growth and energy security while also reducing emissions.
Enhancing Trade and Development Financing for Clean Energy
Some of the key issues that came up at the conversations in Brazil were the urgent need to modernize U.S. trade and development finance mechanisms, particularly through the reauthorizations of the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Export-Import Bank (EXIM). These institutions are critical tools for financing clean energy projects worldwide, and their respective upcoming reauthorizations present crucial opportunities to fine-tune these agencies to effectively finance energy expansion projects, especially in countries where clean energy infrastructure is essential for economic growth and energy independence.
In Brazil, the DFC and EXIM can play a transformative role by:
Supporting Large-Scale Projects: By providing the necessary capital and guarantees for large-scale energy projects, these agencies can help facilitate investments that might otherwise be too risky for private investors. For instance, DFC’s $30 million equity investment in the TechMet Limited critical minerals project in Brazil will increase the country’s nickel and cobalt production, establishing more reliable supply chains that benefit U.S. energy security. Further, in 2020, EXIM issued a $345 million letter of interest to Westinghouse Electric for American engineering expertise to extend the lifespan of the Angra nuclear power plant in Brazil. Further investments in similar projects that are crucial for energy security and reliability can significantly enhance bilateral capacity to meet growing energy needs in both countries.
Enhancing Grid Infrastructure: Brazil's electricity grid faces challenges that limit its capacity to integrate new energy sources. DFC and EXIM can finance improvements to the grid and support projects that enhance its reliability and efficiency, making it easier to connect new projects to consumers.
Encouraging Private Sector Investment: By partnering with the private sector, DFC and EXIM can encourage American companies to invest in Brazil’s energy sector. This collaboration is vital as U.S. companies can bring innovative technologies and practices that improve energy efficiency and reduce costs, benefiting both economies.
Leveraging Multinational Partnerships: With Brazil hosting COP30, U.S. agencies can foster partnerships with Brazilian companies and government entities to enhance local expertise and build capacity in energy technologies. These partnerships align with Brazil’s goals and help create a more stable environment for U.S. investments, creating significant value for the American economy.
Addressing Competition with China and Russia
As the U.S. engages with Brazil and other key partners, it is essential to recognize the growing competition from China and Russia in the global energy market. These countries are actively seeking to expand their influence through aggressive financing of energy projects, often without the same environmental and ethical considerations that guide U.S. investments.
By strengthening DFC and EXIM, the U.S. can position itself as a reliable partner in Brazil’s energy expansion, countering the narrative that often favors adversarial nations. ClearPath advocates for a focused approach that not only promotes clean energy solutions but also reinforces the economic and strategic ties that underpin U.S. interests in the region.
Looking Ahead: A Conservative Approach to Global Energy Leadership
The U.S. has made world-class advancements in energy, manufacturing and agriculture production under some of the strongest environmental standards globally. As we aim to boost domestic production, more of our practices and products could be adopted and exported to the rest of the world.
Looking ahead to COP29 and Brazil's hosting of COP30, the U.S. has a unique opportunity to build on the momentum from CEM/MI. By working with Brazil and other key partners, and ensuring our financial institutions are prepared to support the next wave of energy expansion projects, we can secure a cleaner, more prosperous future where American leadership is central.
Clean Energy Innovation Academy Brings Congressional Staff to Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Supporting research and development accelerates American innovation to reduce global energy emissions. America’s innovation engine is critical in the development and deployment of new technologies and empowers U.S. private sector innovators to partner with National Labs to make breakthroughs in clean energy technologies. In the heart of Tennessee, ClearPath hosted its fourth Clean Energy Innovation Academy (CEIA) site visit for Congressional staff at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL). CEIA, launched in 2020, is an ongoing educational series for Congressional staff focused on conservative clean energy technology and policy.
From Left to Right: Elizabeth Joseph, Shawn Rusterholz, Taylor Tougaw, Maddie Mitchell, Josh Weber, Anna Claire Stietenroth, Justin Williams, Katherine Robbins, Dillyn Carpenter, Frances Wetherbee, Bridget Dunn, Athina Lawson, Luke Nickless, Amanda Sollazzo, Ari Boosalis, Emily Johnson, Jake Kincer, David Maestas, Aaron Trujillo
The educational visit brought 12 U.S. House of Representatives staff, consisting of professional staff who worked for Members on the House Science, Space, and Technology and Budget Committees as well as legislative and communications staff who work for Members of House Ways and Means, Natural Resources, the Congressional Western Caucus and Committee on Appropriations to see first hand the exciting work happening at one of the U.S. National Labs.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
The delegation toured ORNL, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) largest multidisciplinary laboratory. This laboratory delivers scientific discoveries and technical breakthroughs, including scaling up clean energy in the U.S. and accelerating innovation that strengthens economic competitiveness. On campus, ClearPath and Congressional staff toured:
From Left to Right: Aaron Trujillo, Josh Weber, Shawn Rusterholz, Emily Johnson, Taylor Tougaw, Athina Lawson, Dillyn Carpenter, Katherine Robbins, Niko McMurray, Anna Claire Stietenroth, Frances Wetherbee, Amanda Sollazzo, Elizabeth Joseph, Bridget Dunn, Luke Nickless, Ari Boosalis, Justin Williams, David Maestas, Jake Kincer, Maddie Mitchell
Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF)
The MDF is at the forefront of advanced manufacturing techniques and enables researchers and industry partners to collaborate on manufacturing processes, making them faster, more affordable, and more efficient. Staff saw the cutting-edge work of the facility in processes like additive manufacturing and 3D printing which will drive the development of next-generation materials for the clean energy sector and beyond.
TRISO Fuel Lab
TRIstructural ISOtropic fuel is an advanced nuclear fuel that has certain safety and performance characteristics that make it more robust than traditional nuclear fuel. This fuel is used in several advanced reactor designs, such as those supported by the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program and the Department of Defense’s Project Pele. The lab’s research has been instrumental to the safety case and the manufacturing process of TRISOU fuel, supporting ambitious goals set by Congress to power new nuclear reactors with a secure American fuel supply chain.
High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR)
Originally constructed in the 1960s, the HFIR remains one of the most powerful research reactors in the world. It is a critical source of isotopes for medical, industrial and scientific purposes. Due to its extremely high neutron flux, the reactor also plays an important role in materials and medical research. Staff learned how neutron research at HFIR was key to characterizing COVID-19. The facility's abilities in both isotope production and neutron research make it indispensable for materials development, nuclear energy and medicine.
Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility
The group was able to take a look at the world’s fastest supercomputer, Frontier, which is a resource to companies and programs working on the next generation of innovation, giving them a competitive advantage. The computer solved calculations more than five times faster than today’s top supercomputers—exceeding a quintillion, or a billion billion, calculations per second—exascale systems will enable scientists to develop clean energy technologies, among others.
Staff also joined a dinner discussion with guest speakers detailing how their partnerships with the U.S. National Labs’ R&D user facilities are moving their technologies toward commercialization. Guest speakers included:
Joe Shea, Senior Technical Consultant, Clinch River Nuclear Projects
Carol Lane, Vice President of Government Relations, X-energy
Ben Jordan, Business Development Manager, Centrus
Ed Blandford, Chief Technology Officer, Kairos
ClearPath looks forward to expanding its Clean Energy Innovation Academy in 2025 to learn about more clean energy innovation technologies and the policies that will help them succeed.
America's Oil and Gas Industry: Seizing the Low-Carbon Opportunity
For the third consecutive year, ClearPath partnered with the American Petroleum Institute (API) at New York Climate Week showcasing the cutting-edge clean technologies needed to reduce energy emissions across the U.S. economy. With the expertise and engineering know-how needed for clean energy innovation and deployment, the oil and gas industry is seizing the opportunity to lead emissions reductions at a global scale.
The Carbon Innovation Forum convened senior government officials, energy executives, project developers, technology startups, investors and thought leaders. The forum focused on creating market demand for low-carbon solutions, such as carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), carbon dioxide removal (CDR), low-carbon materials like hydrogen and concrete, and the need for streamlined permitting to unlock energy infrastructure build-out.
From Left to Right: ClearPath CEO Jeremy Harrell; DOE Deputy Under Secretary Leslie Biddle
Leveraging America’s Energy Advantage
The world is using more energy than ever before, and with new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced computing, demand for clean, reliable power is set to soar. In 2020, the information and communication technology sector, including data centers, networks and user devices, consumed about 915 terawatt hours of electricity, which is four to six percent of global electricity that year. Electricity consumption from data centers, AI, and the cryptocurrency sector is projected to double by 2026.
As global demand for clean, affordable and reliable energy continues to grow, so does the opportunity and need for American energy leadership. We know America’s lawmakers and energy producers are up to the task. With continued innovation, American-produced products, including natural gas will facilitate lower emissions and bolster global energy security. A great example of this is liquefied natural gas (LNG). Thanks to its abundant supply of natural gas and novel technology innovation, the U.S. is the largest producer of this valuable resource and exporter of LNG in the world.
The U.S. is also a leader in the research and development (R&D) of key low-carbon technologies like CCUS, direct air capture (DAC), and hydrogen. The R&D was catalyzed by the Energy Act of 2020 and the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, which infused nearly $12 billion into carbon management programs and $8 billion for Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs. These policy wins will support the U.S. energy sector as a global leader in clean energy and technology deployment.
Let America Build
Natural gas, CCUS, DAC, hydrogen, methane monitoring and nuclear are all needed to achieve deep decarbonization in various sectors, such as manufacturing and electricity generation. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), for any low-carbon scenario, we need every tool in our toolbox to meaningfully reduce emissions across the economy.
Status of Class VI Primacy in the U.S.
States with Class VI primacy have a track record of permitting carbon dioxide sequestration sites years faster than the EPA.
CCUS has the potential to provide 14 percent of the global emissions reductions required by 2050, but the current capture capacity of operational projects is a fraction of what is needed. Similarly, CDR solutions are managing just shy of 100 thousand tons of carbon – accounting for only 0.001 percent of carbon removal required. With around 200 CCUS projects in various stages of development, around 150 clean hydrogen projects under development and two major DAC facilities in operation, innovators have begun demonstrating these technologies, and the rapid scale-up of these clean energy projects is the next step. To ensure the successful commercialization of these technologies and reach net zero by 2050, modernized permitting, demand-pull mechanisms, predictable, growth-oriented markets, and public-private collaboration are crucial.
CCUS can provide 14% of the Global emissions reductions needed by 2050 and is critical for reducing emissions in difficult-to-decarbonize sectors. What's needed to achieve this?
Participants at the forum voted permitting to be the top policy opportunity to generate demand and scale up CCUS projects more rapidly.
As CCUS and DAC move along the deployment curve, supporting infrastructure will be needed to further deploy and commercialize these technologies. This includes developing carbon storage sites for the permanent storage of carbon dioxide in geologic formations and the build-out of pipeline infrastructure – a vital link in the carbon management value chain. Highlighted during the Carbon Innovation Forum, eliminating red tape and streamlining permitting are critical and will help give project developers the predictability they need to get steel in the ground.
Economy-wide decarbonization will also require increased demand for low-carbon products like cement, steel, and chemicals, and CDR solutions. This event emphasized how new and existing demand-side mechanisms can play an important role in promoting the scale-up of these markets.
America’s largest energy producers, utilities, agriculture companies, financial institutions and other leaders are integrating a suite of clean technologies into their long-term business strategies. To seize this low-carbon opportunity and leverage America’s energy advantage, the Carbon Innovation Forum underscored the importance of building our energy infrastructure and deploying policy tools that incentivize the scale-up of low-carbon solutions on a global scale.
From Left to Right: Arjun Murti; Molly Laegeler; James Schaefer; Andrew Stinson; and Mark Gebbia
Thanks to our speakers: Rostin Behnam, Chairman, Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); Leslie Biddle, Deputy Under Secretary for Commercialization and Finance, U.S. Department of Energy; Marisa Buchanan, Senior Vice President – Low Carbon Solutions, bp trading & shipping; Kelly Coppola, Upstream Unconventional Issues and Advocacy Manager, ExxonMobil; Kerry Duggan, Founder and CEO, SustainabiliD; Fredrik Ekström, Chairman, Nasdaq Stockholm and Puro.earth; Allister Furey, CEO and Co-Founder, Sylvera; Mark Gebbia, Vice President for Environmental and Permitting, Williams; Leia Guccione,Managing Director, RMI/Hydrogen Demand Initiative (H2DI); Amy Harder, Executive Editor, Cipher News; Jeremy Harrell, CEO, ClearPath; Michael Johnson, Vice Chairman of Investment Banking, J.P. Morgan; Molly Laegeler,Vice President of Strategy & Sustainability, Chevron; Michael Leitch, Senior Technical Lead, XPRIZE Carbon Removal; Sonrisa Lucero, Special Advisor for Stakeholder Engagement, U.S. Department of Energy; Joseph Majkut, Director of Energy Security and Climate Change Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies; Arjun Murti, Partner, Veriten; Aaron Padilla, Vice President of Corporate Policy, API; James Schaefer,Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Securities Investment Banking; and Andrew Stinson, Managing Director - Head of Americas ESG Funding Solutions, Bank of America.
Please note this event adhered to Chatham House Rule.
An Innovation Agenda for the Department of Energy (American Affairs)
This op-ed was originally published by American Affairs on August 19, 2024. Click here to read the entire piece.
The world is about to need more energy. A lot more. The combination of providing basic energy services to emerging markets and powering a new generation of data centers and manufacturing activity means the era of flat energy demand is over. Grid operators all across the United States are grappling with a rapid uptick in load growth projections and scrambling to build the energy infrastructure necessary to meet those forecasts.
As the world enters this new phase of energy growth, one thing is certain: the United States must lead the world and pioneer the technologies to make it possible. America is blessed with a world-class energy innovation engine led by the Department of Energy and the seventeen National Labs that have launched countless new technologies into the market. The Department of Energy (DOE, the Department) is the world’s largest funder of research for physical sciences and applied energy research, development, and demonstrations (RD&D). It is the sole federal entity with the capacity to advance innovative clean energy technologies in coordination with the private sector. These public-private partnerships are critical to commercializing breakthrough technologies domestically and ultimately exporting them to key partners around the globe.
Congress has recently enacted legislation to reinvigorate these efforts, providing billions of dollars in new funding to support innovative energy demonstration projects and the commercialization of new technologies. The conditions are right for America to meet this challenge, but the next presidential administration must agree to prioritize energy deployment first and foremost.
Clean Energy Innovation Academy Brings Congressional Staff to Washington State
To maintain American energy independence, reduce emissions and meet growing electricity demand, it is critical the U.S. leads in the development and deployment of innovative technologies. Exciting companies deploying nuclear fission and fusion, carbon capture and storage, carbon dioxide removal (CDR), hydropower and long-duration energy storage are all on display in the Northwestern U.S., making the region a perfect location for ClearPath’s third Clean Energy Innovation Academy (CEIA) trip for Congressional staff. CEIA, launched in 2020, is an ongoing educational series for Congressional staff focused on conservative clean energy technology and policy.
From Left to Right: Dr. Steven Ashby, Chrissy Harbin, Luke Bolar, Luisa Smith, Jake Kincer, Amanda Sollazzo, Eric Gustafson, Molly Ross, Jeremy Harrell, Emily Johnson, Dillyn Carpenter, Stacey Daniels, Ryan Mowrey, Ashley Higgins, Brian Hughes, Savvy Bowman, Dr. Jud Virden
ClearPath, along with eight Senate staff, consisting of legislative and communications staff who work for Members of the Appropriations, Energy and Natural Resources, Environment and Public Works, and Finance Committees were able to visit companies and research facilities working on nuclear fission and fusion energy, long duration energy storage, carbon capture and utilization, energy analytics and marine carbon dioxide removal.
“Being able to see firsthand how the policies we work on, on Capitol Hill, translate to people on the ground was really impactful. The trip highlighted how important it is to maintain relationships with stakeholders who are charged with providing affordable and reliable energy while ensuring the U.S. remains a leader in energy production, research, and environmental stewardship,” said Ashley Higgins, Senior Energy Policy Advisor. “Whether it’s actual power being generated like we saw at Energy Northwest or the research being done at our National Labs to produce the technologies of the future, it’s clear that we need more of all types of energy to meet current and future demand.”
The Delegation visited the Control Room Simulator at Energy Northwest’s Columbia Generating Station
The delegation toured Energy Northwest’s Columbia Generating Station in Richland, WA — a world-class nuclear power plant that has been providing reliable baseload power to the region since 1984 and the third largest electricity generator in the state. Staff were able to visit the control room simulator, the turbine building, and reactor building which houses the boiling water reactor and spent fuel pool. Energy Northwest’s CEO, Bob Schuetz, shared their future plans for the facility, including the re-licensing process and the exciting partnership with X-energy to bring an advanced small modular reactor to the Richland site.
The Grid Storage Launchpad at PNNL is a state of the art facility conducting research on energy storage and battery technologies.
The delegation also toured the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, one of seventeen Department of Energy national labs. PNNL is an excellent model for public-private partnerships to help bring new technologies to commercialization. Some highlights include the Carbon Capture & Utilization labs, the Electricity Infrastructure Operations Center, the Applied Engineering/Advanced Manufacturing lab and the Grid Storage Launchpad. The latter was completed in 2024 and is advancing the next generation of energy storage and battery technologies. PNNL Lab Director Dr. Steven Ashby, Associate Director Dr. Jud Virden, Executive Director of Communications and Engagement Jaime Shimek, and other key lab leadership were part of the visit.
PNNL’s Marine Science Lab showcases next generation technology to the delegation.
The delegation then visited PNNL’s Marine Science Laboratory in Sequim, WA, the only marine sciences research facility in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Lab system. Notably, PNNL is partnering with Marine CDR company Ebb Carbon who captures CO2 in the ocean while also reducing ocean acidity. The PNNL and Ebb Carbon public-private partnership demonstrates the ways that our National Labs work with private industry to research, develop and demonstrate cutting-edge technologies.
The delegation at Helion Energy headquarters in Everett, WA.
The tour concluded with a tour of Helion Energy in the manufacturing hub of Everett, WA. Helion is designing the world’s first fusion power plant and working to demonstrate electricity while scaling up in-house domestic manufacturing to eliminate reliance on international suppliers like China. The Senate delegation saw both the sixth-generation prototype, Trenta, and the construction progress of the seventh-generation prototype, Polaris. Helion believes their fusion technology can lead to the eventual construction of so many power plants that they are referred to by numbers instead of individual names.
In addition to the site visits, the delegation met with representatives from private sector companies Framatome, Stripe, Omya, TerraPower, Twelve and Avalanche Energy, who have operations in Washington State. The topics ranged from the growing trend of bringing clean energy supply chains to the United States, how America has become a CDR innovation hub and the latest advancements in clean energy technologies moving towards commercialization.
ClearPath looks forward to expanding its Clean Energy Innovation Academy later this year and in 2025 to learn about more clean energy innovation technologies and the policies that will help them succeed.
CO2 Pipelines Are Safe…and We Need a Lot More
You’ve probably heard about a clean energy technology called Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage – or “CCUS” for short.
This is a method of capturing carbon dioxide or “CO2” from emissions sources like power plants and industrial facilities. Another method for reducing emissions is called Direct Air Capture, which removes CO2 that is already in our atmosphere — think a giant vacuum. If we’re serious about global emissions reduction — we need both.
In addition to driving down emissions, captured CO2 is also a valuable commodity. CO2 is not only used to make your beer fizz, carbon oxides can be used for everyday products like building materials, fertilizer, and fuels. CO2 that is not in use can be permanently and safely stored - usually underground - where it resides for thousands of years.
Often, when CO2 is captured, it’s not located near an available storage or use site and has to be transported to another location. Today, the best and safest way to move CO2 is through pipelines.
Pipelines are everywhere - often without us even realizing it. They are beneath our highways, run through our cities, and connect our homes. Other essential resources, like natural gas, water, and waste, are all moved by pipelines. That’s because pipelines are the most land-efficient way to transport materials while minimizing environmental impact.
The Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, also known as “PHMSA”, has long regulated the security of this infrastructure. PHMSA provides national standards for pipeline design, construction, maintenance and operation. These ensure that all necessary measures are taken to mitigate risks and safeguard the well-being of your family and the environment.
Now let’s talk about CO2 pipelines. The U.S. currently has more than 5,000 miles of these pipelines, which have been safely operating across our country for over 50 years. CO2 is a stable, non flammable gas - we know it’s safe. We breathe it in and out every day - it’s even used in fire extinguishers. Over the last twenty years, there have been zero recorded fatalities associated with the very few CO2 pipeline incidents that have occurred. A pipeline accident, like we saw in 2020 in Satartia, Mississippi, while concerning, is extremely uncommon and is not representative of the safety performance of this critical infrastructure over the last several decades.
As demand for clean, reliable, and affordable energy grows, so will the demand for effective carbon management technologies. That means, to meet our energy security and global emission reduction goals, the build-out of CO2 pipeline infrastructure is vital. An estimated 30,000 - 96,000 miles of CO2 pipelines will be needed by 2050 – that’s roughly 5 to 18 times the length of our existing network.
We get it, some people are uneasy about new infrastructure. But let’s face it, whether you care about climate change or U.S. competitiveness- we need these technologies. By building CO2 pipeline infrastructure, we are not only building our capacity to reduce emissions and protect our environment, we’re also creating jobs, bolstering local economies, and continuing to use the energy sources that make our country strong. In America, we’re not afraid to build — it’s what we do.
And, through R&D and innovation, we’ll leverage the efficiency and maintain the strong safety record of this vital American infrastructure.
Empowering the Next Generation of Energy Leaders Through CCLP
This month, ClearPath’s Conservative Climate Leadership Program (CCLP) hosted its inaugural professional development event for early career individuals interested in clean energy policy. CCLP is dedicated to identifying future leaders, helping them to develop professionally and find opportunities on Capitol Hill to work on clean energy issues. At ClearPath, we believe it is the people who drive policy action. To keep America in the lead as the world’s top clean energy innovator, we recognized the need to craft a stable, thoughtfully recruited roster ready to fill policy roles with a passion.
Designed for interns, fellows and emerging professionals, attendees learned from energy policymakers and key stakeholders about clear paths to accelerate their energy careers. At Powering Your Energy Career: Connections and Conversations for Young Energy Professionals in Washington, participants engaged in educational activities related to the energy sector, ranging from a fireside chat with Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK) on the importance of having young professionals on the Hill, to a panel discussion with three young energy professionals who all work in different aspects of the industry.
L-R: Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK); Former Rep. Ryan Costello (R-PA)
At this event, Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK) shared her support of an all of the above energy approach and emphasized the messaging conservatives are using today. She and former Representative Ryan Costello (R-PA) also stressed three themes throughout their fireside chat for young people interested in energy to keep in mind – fearlessness, understanding, and practicing good habits.
Young professionals worked through the complicated process of navigating energy output in a grid activity led by Luke Bolar, Chief External Affairs Officer. They saw the process and existing barriers of implementing innovative clean energy technologies, and why an all of the above energy approach is essential to maintaining grid security. Doubling the output of energy grids by 2050 is a real dilemma for America, so it’s important for young professionals interested in the energy sector to understand the benefits, challenges and outputs of each technology.
Global leadership consultant Steven Van Cohen explained the importance of communication in the workplace and where gaps exist between each generation. He offered tips and tricks to ease some of these differences and construct productive communication methods through various exercises.
ClearPath’s Chief Operating Officer Andrea Steiner moderated a panel with Grant Cummings, Manager at bp, Ashley Higgins, Senate Energy Policy Advisor, and Karly Matthews, VP of Communications at the American Conservation Coalition. The dynamic panel showed attendees that whether it’s a career on the Hill, in the private sector, or in communications, there’s a career pathway to working towards an affordable, clean and reliable energy future.
L-R: Andrea Steiner, Chief Operating Officer, ClearPath; Ashley Higgins, Energy Policy Advisor, Sen. James Lankford (R-OK); Karly Matthews, VP of Communications, American Conservation Coalition; Grant Cummings, Manager, Policy and Federal Government Affairs, bp
All three of the panelists have traveled different paths to arrive at where they are in their careers today; however, they all share the same message for young professionals interested in energy – keep your mind open to the opportunities that are offered to you while finding your passions.
Cummings said, “Energy is evolving and growing” and he’s “never been more optimistic about energy.” The rapidly growing need for clean energy and the development of new, innovative technologies make this sector an exciting place for young, dynamic professionals.
“At ClearPath, we believe ‘people are policy,’” said Steiner. CCLP is able to capture the talent and passion of young professionals, providing them with information and opportunities in the energy sector so they can make the influential difference in the world they crave.
If you are on the Hill and your office would benefit from having an emerging energy expert in your office, reach out to Dana Faught dana@clearpath.org.
Ella Dunnigan was the ClearPath external affairs intern for summer 2024.
Let America build - A policy path to modernize energy permitting
Our team spends a lot of time on reliable, affordable, clean energy systems that run 24/7. These types of technologies are an integral part of our energy future, but with a growing economy and electricity demand doubling, we need MORE power.
This means building a lot of new nuclear, geothermal, and clean fossil power plants. We’ll also need immense new transmission and pipeline infrastructure to move energy around the country.
But we’ve got a ton of work to do in very little time.
Whether you are motivated by deep emissions reductions, furthering our nation’s energy security, or enabling the next generation of American manufacturing, the coming decades are essential. By many estimates, that means at least 10,000 new clean energy projects this decade alone. And, every one of those projects will require new permits to build.
Unfortunately, the U.S. has a world-class apparatus… for getting in the way.
Let me give you an example. The National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, calls for developers to measure the environmental impact of their projects. But NEPA was passed years before we had other laws with strict environmental standards like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, or Endangered Species Act.
Each of those are important — but all together … permit reviews can spiral into extremely long efforts, spanning thousands of pages with duplicative analyses and dozens of bureaucrats required to sign off on each individual project. And, this is not even taking into account the time it takes for any local permitting or state regulations. While this system may have made sense 50 years ago, the surge in new energy demand requires a new way.
When we think about how to build tens of thousands of new clean energy projects, and how to balance speed and safety, it's obvious the U.S. needs a more predictable process.
At ClearPath, we always focus on solutions. Here are two that should be pretty simple:
First, grant immediate approval to projects on a site that have already undergone an environmental review.
Second, we must expedite court challenges so a final decision on projects is made in a timely manner.
Let me simplify both concepts.
Do you remember standing in line at the airport before TSA pre-check? That was brutal! Now, individuals who have proven they are not a risk can move through an expedited line.
Here’s another example.
There are mountains of evidence that some projects have little to no environmental impacts, such as an advanced manufacturing facility that produces parts for clean energy on a brownfield, or converting a retired coal plant to an advanced nuclear facility or siting a new geothermal plant at a depleted oil and gas well. These are the types of projects we should automatically permit to move forward.
Just like random screenings at TSA, we can audit the operators to ensure they’re complying with all environmental laws as we go. So new energy accelerates at no new environmental costs.
And for those projects that do need permits up front, we should ensure reviews are complete within 1 year and resolve any legal disputes within 6 months.
Under the current system, clean energy projects can suffer long delays, sometimes decades, largely because of obstructive litigation practices. We must strike the right balance while halting the never-ending cycle of frivolous lawsuits.
At ClearPath, we believe all of this can be done without rolling back environmental protections or eliminating the public’s opportunity to be involved in the review process. Even with these necessary changes, a project would still be required to comply with environmental laws during its entire lifetime.*