Western Michigan University (WMU) has been awarded $5 million by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) to advance carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology as part of a broader $44.5 million initiative.
This funding will allow WMU to play a significant role in carbon management efforts across the U.S., focusing on reducing carbon emissions through carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
According to Dr. Autumn Haagsma, assistant director of the Michigan Geological Survey at WMU, the partnership will include experts in transportation routing, community engagement, utilization opportunities, and risk mitigation, making it an exciting and comprehensive collaboration.
CCUS is designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial sources and store them underground, preventing their release into the atmosphere.
The Michigan Basin is recognized as a prime region for CCUS, with an estimated capacity to store 70 gigatons of CO2.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula volcanic rocks present an exciting opportunity, as they can trigger mineralization, turning CO2 into a solid. Mount Simon sandstone in the Lower Peninsula is another key storage formation.
Relevant: DOE Invests $44.5M In Carbon Capture, Transport And Storage Projects
In an interview for Fox 17, Dr. Haagsma explained that CO2 can be stored safely underground in porous rock formations, behaving similarly to a liquid when stored half a mile deep.
The dense rock surrounding these formations prevents CO2 from migrating to the surface, safeguarding water supplies.
WMU students will be directly involved in cutting-edge research and gain practical experience through internships starting in summer 2025.
The project will form a technical assistance partnership to create a roadmap for carbon management in Michigan, ensuring it is both equitable and environmentally responsible.
Collaborators include Battelle, Carbon Solutions, Miami University of Ohio, Michigan Technological University, and others, who will provide expertise in various aspects of the project, from 3D modeling to risk assessment and community engagement.
The grant is set to last three years, with the team aiming to produce a carbon capture directory and a detailed map of potential storage sites across Michigan.
Read more: DOE Invests $52.5M To Boost Commercialization Of Direct Air Capture Technology
