The Department of Energy (DOE) has shed light on the threatening impact of Project Tundra on greenhouse gas emissions. According to a recently published assessment, the proposed coal carbon capture project in North Dakota would actually emit more greenhouse gasses than it stores.
The analysis, which included a life cycle assessment, found that for every kilogram of carbon dioxide stored, approximately 3.23 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) would be emitted.
Records also showed that the projected costs for Project Tundra have almost doubled and the engineering studies have taken three times the anticipated duration. Additionally, the project’s claims of significant emissions reductions have been scaled back.
These revelations cast doubt on the viability of the project and expose the potential threatening impact Project Tundra could have on efforts to combat climate change.
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The project, which requires a budget of about $77 million, intends to build injection wells to capture and store carbon dioxide emitted by the Milton R. Young coal power plant in North Dakota. It expects to receive half of its funding from the Department of Energy.
In an article published in UtilityDive, Dr. Emily Grubert, previously holding the position of assistant secretary for carbon management at the Department of Energy, criticized the assessment for its numerous errors and failure to meet basic standards for a life cycle analysis.
She pointed out that the study indicates the project would release more emissions than it would store and still suggests proceeding, which is a highly concerning signal for a project meant to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Project Tundra’s negative impact on climate efforts raises questions about the project’s intentions.
Despite this alarming finding, the DOE has yet to provide a response to the situation. A spokesperson for the department stated that the Draft Environmental Assessment for Project Tundra is available for public comment until September 19, 2023.
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