Equinor, a Norwegian energy company, recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Battelle, a science and technology firm, to advance the development of a decarbonized regional energy cluster in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.
The companies will conduct feasibility studies to examine the regional potential for carbon capture and storage (CCS) and collaborate on stakeholder outreach. Once the project is completed, it will be one of the first low-carbon industrial regions in the United States.
“The Appalachian Basin is an important energy-producing region that also shows great promise in being a leader for the decarbonization of American industry,” Chris Golden, Equinor U.S. country manager, said. “Our regional hub vision will meet tomorrow’s energy demands while maintaining America’s industrial competitiveness within a net-zero scenario.”
Equinor has had a presence in the United States for more than 35 years and has offices in Hannibal, Ohio, and Triadelphia, W.Va. The company has decades of experience working with CCS projects.
Battelle is based in Columbus, Ohio. The company has been working on geologic carbon dioxide capture, use, and storage projects worldwide for the past 20 years.
It conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries.