In addition to funding R&D projects conducted externally, DOE/NETL also conducts in-house research to develop new breakthrough concepts for carbon capture that could lead to dramatic improvements in cost and performance relative to today’s technologies. The IEP CO₂ emissions control R&D activity also sponsors systems analysis studies of the cost and performance of various carbon capture technologies.  The program goal is to develop advanced CO₂ capture and separation technologies for existing power plants that can achieve at least 90% CO₂ removal at no more than a 35% increase in cost of energy services. 

Use the hyperlinks located in the blue box to find detailed information on the IEP CO₂ emissions control R&D activities.

Prior to FY08, DOE/NETL’s CO₂ emissions control R&D effort was conducted under the Carbon Storage Program.  With responsibility for CO₂ emissions control R&D now being conducted under the IEP Program, the Carbon Storage Program continues to focus on geological storage.  Since its inception in 1997, the Carbon Storage Program has been developing both core and supporting technologies through which carbon capture and storage (CCS) will become an effective and economically viable option for reducing CO₂ emissions from coal-based power plants.  Successful R&D will enable CCS technologies to overcome the various technical, economic, and social challenges, such as cost-effective CO₂ separation and transport, long-term stability of CO₂ sequestration in underground formations, monitoring and verification, integration with power generation systems, and public acceptance. Collapse Text