We all want a cleaner energy future for the next generations and reducing carbon emissions from our atmosphere is a critical step along that path. DTE and other organizations around the world are pursuing many technologies that promise to keep carbon dioxide (CO₂) from contributing to climate change, and that starts with Carbon Management. One solution within Carbon Management is Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS)
CCS technology reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. In fact, approximately 60 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) per year have been sequestered at locations across the U.S. for decades. Through a three-step process, industrial carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions are captured, transported, and permanently sequestered deep underground, which prevents the harmful release into the atmosphere.
Here’s a deeper breakdown of the CCS process. (We created an infographic to break it down too!)
- Capture: Instead of being released into the atmosphere, CO₂ is compressed, then dehydrated to turn the gas into a liquid at the manufacturing site.
- Transportation: The liquid gas is gathered from the facility and transported in a steel pipeline to the sequestration site.
- Sequestration: CO₂ is injected into the ground underneath an impermeable layer of rock, for safe and permanent sequestration. (These reservoirs are far beneath the surface and isolated from usable groundwater resources.)
- An intensive series of permitting, monitor and reporting steps ensures the CO₂ remains safely and permanently sequestered.
Michigan Economic Impact
Michigan (unlike several states across the country) has the ideal geological characteristics necessary to allow for large-scale sequestration of CO₂. Plus, CCS could bring many benefits to Michigan! CCS is applicable to almost all heavy industry operations within Michigan, including power generation, steel operations, oil refineries, cement manufacturing, ethanol production and more. And, CCS can offer meaningful economic development for local communities where the projects exist and create many jobs. The technology:
Offers up to a $10 billion investment opportunity to help Michigan’s communities and economy.
- Includes $8 billion in construction at nearly two dozen new and existing facilities across the state.
- $2 billion in infrastructure to develop an extensive carbon storage and transportation network throughout the state.
- These investments will drive tax revenues for local communities, improving the quality of life for their residents
Can create thousands of jobs for Michigan.
- Nearly 4,000 jobs are projected to be created, with half being ongoing positions — rewarding opportunities for Michigan workers.
Can help Michigan meet its mid-century decarbonization goals.
- Will reduce CO₂ in the atmosphere, helping to reduce the impact of global warming.
- Could potentially sequester up to 20 million metric tons of CO₂ annually.
- CCS has the potential to make Michigan a leader in new technologies.
- Early adoption will attract industry investment in the state.
We are currently developing multiple CCS projects across the U.S. that will help our customers in their decarbonization journey to reduce their emissions and meet ever-evolving environmental commitments. Join us on this journey and help us benefit our environment, businesses and communities.