Project Tundra carbon capture plans may not be worth climate, financial risks

The State of North Dakota’s Project Tundra Raises Questions about Carbon Capture

As the state of North Dakota promotes Project Tundra, experts from outside the state are raising concerns about the feasibility of capturing carbon dioxide emissions from the coal-fired Milton R. Young Power Plant in Center, North Dakota.

The initiative is expected to be costly and will result in continued carbon emissions until at least 2028, if not longer. The technology required to capture and store the emissions will also increase energy production costs.

• Some argue that the financial and environmental costs of the project do not justify its implementation.
• They believe that there are more viable and sustainable alternatives to replace the aging coal plant.

Dennis Wamsted, an energy analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, questions the decision to invest in carbon capture technology for a plant that is nearing its scheduled shutdown.

If completed, the project will be eligible for 45Q tax credit subsidies under the Inflation Reduction Act. These subsidies would provide up to $85 per metric ton of CO2 stored underground beneath the facility. However, after the 12-year subsidy period ends, the power plant would need to cover the sequestration costs itself.

The Clean Sustainable Energy Authority of North Dakota has already approved a $100 million loan for upfront capital costs, with an additional $150 million under consideration. The project participants have also applied for a $350 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Despite these investments, the total costs of Project Tundra may exceed the costs of transitioning to alternative energy sources.

Emily Grubert, an energy systems expert at the University of Notre Dame, believes that the project is primarily aimed at preserving the lignite coal mining industry in North Dakota rather than achieving significant carbon reductions. She questions the applicability of the project’s findings to other coal plants.

Harry Kennard, a senior research associate at Columbia University, supports the project as a necessary step in exploring different decarbonization technologies. However, he emphasizes the need for a broader rollout of renewable energy sources alongside carbon capture initiatives.

Emission Capture Rates and Uncertainties

The Milton Young plant is projected to achieve a 90% capture rate for carbon emissions. However, no other large-scale carbon capture project on a coal-fired power plant has achieved such efficiency rates. The real rate of emissions may be higher if the technology does not perform as expected.

Paul Jensen, from Citizens Local Energy Action Network (CLEAN), views the project as an inefficient attempt to revive an outdated power plant.

Overall, the financial impact and societal benefits of Project Tundra remain uncertain. The project’s success will depend on its ability to demonstrate effective carbon capture and storage, as well as its potential for future applications.

U.S. Senator John Hoeven supports the project, highlighting its potential to develop new technologies and contribute to the country’s energy needs.

It is important to consider the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout the evaluation and implementation of projects like Project Tundra. These goals include affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the issues related to carbon capture technology and its impact on energy production, industry, and climate change. These issues are directly connected to SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The article also highlights the need for innovation in the energy sector, which aligns with SDG 9. Additionally, the article addresses the importance of reducing carbon emissions and taking action against climate change, which is a key focus of SDG 13.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning

The article discusses the potential transition from coal-fired power plants to renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. This aligns with SDG 7.2, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The article also highlights the need to upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them more sustainable, which corresponds to SDG 9.4. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of integrating climate change measures into national policies and planning, which is a target of SDG 13.2.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of energy generated from renewable sources
• Investment in renewable energy infrastructure
• Carbon capture and storage efficiency rates

The article mentions the potential transition to renewable energy sources, which can be measured by the percentage of energy generated from renewable sources. The investment in renewable energy infrastructure can be tracked to measure progress towards upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries. Additionally, the article discusses the efficiency rates of carbon capture and storage technology, which can serve as an indicator of progress in integrating climate change measures.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: inforum.com

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