Three major companies are teaming up to advance carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen projects in the US. Equinor US Holdings, US Steel and Shell have entered into a non-exclusive cooperation agreement to work on a collaborative carbon capture and hydrogen hub in the Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania region.
The hub would focus on decarbonization opportunities and would aim to generate new, sustainable jobs, stimulate economic growth, and help achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions.
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“Establishing a low carbon hub in this region could have a profound impact on both the climate and the economy… In collaboration with partners and the local community, we’re proud to advance this initiative and America’s net zero future,” said Grete Tveit, SVP Equinor Low Carbon Solutions.
According to the partners, the new carbon capture and hydrogen hub are aligned with both the United States’ and project partners’ ambitions to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Equinor and Shell plan to jointly apply for US Department of Energy funding designated for the creation of regional carbon capture and clean energy hubs to move forward. US Steel is currently evaluating the role it could play in the hub – including as a potential funding participant, customer, supplier, or partner.
“US Steel is a historic innovator and leader in the energy-efficient production of steel. And, it has a strategy focused on creating a more sustainable future for all its stakeholders,” stated the company.
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Equinor is one of the most ambitious oil and gas companies in terms of long-term value creation in the low-carbon future. The company operates the Sleipner carbon capture and storage (CCS) plant in Norway which is the first offshore CCS facility and the longest in operation in the world. Equinor plans to become a net-zero energy company by 2050.
US Steel added a sustainability target in its Best for All strategy and also plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. According to Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer Richard L. Fruehauf, this agreement is “another effort to advance profitable, sustainable steel solutions for people and the planet.”
