Carbon Tech Alliance hosted the first Live “Fundamentals of Carbon Capture and Storage” which was attended by scientists, professionals, legislators, and landowners.

Presentations over the course of the 2 day event included “What is CCS and why is it important?” by Pete McGrail, PhD, “The Role of Risk Assessment in Designing MVA programs” by Wayne Rowe, and “Public Perception of CCS-Lessons learned and how it can make or break a project” by PNNL’s Gretchen Hund, and more.

There were also two very informative tours, of the Super Critical CO2 lab, and the Geological Core Analysis lab, as well as a fabulous dinner for all attendees and presenters at the Terra Blanca winery.

Presenters answered insightful questions from many of the participants, and lively discussions ensued as assumptions were challenged, and new information was introduced.

Presenters managed to keep their presentations accessible to those who were new to the topics, while challenging those who had prior knowledge. This mix of basic introduction and advanced science provided an extremely high value for all participants, which the group appreciated.

A key takeaway that was echoed by all of the presenters is that research into Carbon Capture and Storage is essential, and that pursuing it does not mean that other forms of research and development into alternative energy should be abandoned. While CCS technology is still being studied, and options are being tested to see which are the safest, most effective, and most economical, these leaders in the field imparted that anyone seeking to understand CCS should keep an open mind. As long as all data is gathered and analyzed responsibly, and all stakeholders ask the right questions, then there will be more examples of safe, effective CCS facilities.

PNNL laboratories, operated by Battelle, hosted the event on their campus in Richland, WA and organized the laboratory tours. Something that makes PNNL unique in their CCS research and implementation is that their project with Boise Paper, Inc. in Wallula, WA is the only project in the world in which carbon is being stored in Basalt. This, among other things, makes PNNL a leader in the field, and Carbon Tech Alliance is proud to have them as a partner.

Keep an eye on Carbontechalliance.org for video of the presentations at the event, and an event video with interviews of several presenters and attendees, which will be posted in the near future.

Carbon Tech Alliance is comprised of PNNL, EOS Alliance, and the Washington Society of Professional Engineers, and its mission is to be a leader in providing effective training and education by presenting high-quality content to the future CCS workforce, and any others interested in understanding how CCS can be applied.