In a bold move towards combating climate change, a climate technology startup is exploring the integration of small modular nuclear reactors to power a carbon removal facility in Wyoming. This innovative approach, revealed in documents obtained by POLITICO’s E&E News, has the potential to transform carbon removal efforts, but experts raise concerns about the complexity and potential risks associated with marrying two advanced technologies. The startup, CarbonCapture, aims to utilize these small modular reactors to provide a continuous and climate-friendly electricity source to its Wyoming Regional Direct Air Capture Hub.

Small Modular Reactors and Carbon Removal:

CarbonCapture’s proposal to incorporate small modular reactors into its carbon removal facility in Wyoming stems from the belief that these reactors could offer a reliable supply of carbon-free electricity. The use of small modular reactors is part of a broader strategy to revive the nuclear power industry, which is gaining renewed attention from the Biden administration as it allocates substantial funds for both direct air capture technologies and nuclear innovation.

Challenges and Skepticism:

While the potential benefits of small modular reactors in powering carbon removal facilities are evident, critics express concerns about the complications and uncertainties associated with integrating novel nuclear technologies. Wil Burns, co-director of American University’s Institute for Carbon Removal Law and Policy, emphasizes the inherent complexities of introducing new technologies and questions the feasibility of combining two intricate processes—carbon removal and small modular reactors.

CarbonCapture’s Wyoming Regional Direct Air Capture Hub:

CarbonCapture’s proposal for the Wyoming Regional Direct Air Capture Hub, outlined in documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, sheds light on the company’s ambitious plans. The hub involves partnerships with entities such as the University of Wyoming, Rocky Mountain Power, engineering company Fluor, and Frontier Carbon Solutions. The ultimate goal is to develop a large-scale direct air capture facility, contribute to the production of sustainable aviation fuel, and implement a decentralized ledger technology known as blockchain for carbon removal validation.

Government Support and Funding:

As the Biden administration prioritizes carbon removal and nuclear energy in the fight against climate change, CarbonCapture finds itself in a leading position to secure substantial funding. The Department of Energy has already provided $12.5 million to the company and its partners for a front-end engineering and design study of the Wyoming hub plan. CarbonCapture could potentially receive up to $500 million, as part of the infrastructure law, to aid in constructing one of four U.S. direct air capture hubs.

CarbonCapture’s Multifaceted Approach:

The revelation of CarbonCapture’s plans includes not only the integration of small modular reactors but also the exploration of sustainable aviation fuel production and rail shipment of captured carbon dioxide. While these elements add complexity to the project, Patricia Loria, CarbonCapture’s Vice President of Business Development, suggests that they are long-term considerations for the 2030s, highlighting the ongoing negotiation with the Department of Energy.

Hedging Bets on Carbon Sequestration:

The inclusion of a sustainable aviation fuel plant and the possibility of shipping captured carbon via rail raises questions about CarbonCapture’s primary focus. Some experts, including Emily Grubert, a sustainable energy policy professor at the University of Notre Dame, speculate that the company might be hedging its bets on carbon sequestration, questioning the sincerity of its commitment to carbon dioxide removal.

CarbonCapture’s groundbreaking proposal to integrate small modular nuclear reactors into its carbon removal facility represents a significant step forward in the intersection of climate solutions. While the potential benefits are substantial, the project’s multifaceted approach raises questions about its feasibility, long-term goals, and potential impact on the broader climate agenda. As the Biden administration continues to invest in innovative solutions for carbon removal and nuclear energy, the success of ventures like CarbonCapture will play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of climate change mitigation efforts.