UW and CSU to Test Algae-Based Carbon Technology at Wyoming Integrated Test Center

Wyoming’s Integrated Test Center will host a new $2.5 million project with Colorado State University, the University of Wyoming and Living Ink Technologies to convert an industrial source of carbon dioxide into high-value materials through an algae-based carbon transfer process.

The project, also supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, began its initial phase in 2023. The research will run for three years, with about six months of testing at the facility.

Led by Professor Ken Reardon, associate dean for research at CSU’s Walter Scott Jr. College of Engineering, the project is expected to advance carbon management through carbon conversion — and to minimize the environmental impacts of fossil energy.

“We are looking forward to launching the test phase of this project with our partners at the Wyoming Integrated Test Center,” says Reardon, a professor of chemical and biological engineering. “By leveraging and refining our biorefinery process, we aim to convert a utility source of CO₂ into two high-value bioproducts via algae cultivation, benefitting both the environment and the economy.”

UW’s team will convert the liquid from algae pyrolysis into advanced energy materials such as carbon nanofiber supercapacitor electrodes, under the direction of UW School of Energy Resources (SER) Professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Maohong Fan.

Fan and Reardon have co-written a publication on this technology, and the current collaborative project at the Wyoming Integrated Test Center combines years of research in the duo’s respective disciplines.

“We are pleased to have exceptional partners bringing a wealth of expertise in carbon conversion methods on the team,” Reardon says. “This project will go a long way in accelerating the development of algal-based CO₂ conversion technologies that utilize CO₂ emissions from industrial sources.”

Opening its doors in May 2018, the Wyoming Integrated Test Center is a public-private partnership that brings together government, industry and cooperatives with the shared goal of developing commercially viable uses for carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. Located at Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s Dry Fork Station near Gillette, and under the administration of UW’s SER, the center provides space for researchers to test carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies using flue gas directly from the power plant.

“We are excited to welcome CSU and UW as they begin testing their algae carbon utilization project at the Integrated Test Center,” says Jason Begger, director of stakeholder relations for the center. “Our team is looking forward to working with these researchers and advancing their research. This project will continue to drive research for carbon utilization technologies that can turn carbon into marketable products and advance new opportunities for commercial uses of carbon dioxide.”

With the addition of this project, the Integrated Test Center’s testing bays are fully allocated. The center’s project portfolio represents over $100 million in carbon capture and carbon utilization technology deployment. Testing that occurs at the center serves as a crucial step toward advancing carbon capture and carbon utilization technologies to commercialization.

To learn more about the Integrated Test Center and current tenants at the facility, visit www.wyomingitc.org/.

Autumn Eakin Joins Center for Economic Geology Research

The School of Energy Resources (SER) is pleased to welcome Autumn Eakin to the research team in the Center for Economic Geology Research (CEGR).

Originally from Valparaiso, Ind., Eakin is an experienced subsurface geologist bringing a unique blend of interpersonal and leadership abilities along with robust technical expertise in her new role as a research professional in the Center.

Eakin earned her bachelor’s degree in Geological Sciences from Indiana University before earning a master’s degree in in Geological Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin. Specializing her studies in structural diagenesis, she gained valuable field experience all over the world, studying tectonic faults and fractures and the relationships between deformational features and chemical changes to sediments in Taiwan, China, Mexico, Canada and the U.S.

Following graduation in 2011, Eakin began a long-term career with oil & gas giant, Chevron. As an exploration geologist, she worked to evaluate the resource potential of subsurface structures and has contributed to well over 100 exploration reviews for the company.

Cultivating a specialty in seal and trap characterization, she is a leader in seal risk and uncertainty analysis for conventional oil and gas exploration and in emerging opportunities for carbon capture and storage. Her talent for interfacing with the community has led to her playing a more active role in stakeholder outreach and communication.

“I really enjoy building the story of the subsurface and sharing the big picture with the public,” says Eakin. “I can usually find what matters in all the noise, and I feel it is important to educate the population on what we are doing, describe how it works, our approach to uncertainty, and how we build that into our risk profile.”

In addition to her technical skills, she has a passion for teaching and mentorship. She held auxiliary leadership roles in project coordination and agile training at Chevron to improve project delivery, and promote collaboration within the Geology Department and across the business.

“I am so energized to be part of the team here in Wyoming,” she says. “Being surrounded by people that are inspired by their work and strive to discover solutions to complex energy challenges motivates me to bring my best self forward every day. I can see that this group has the passion and dedication I admire, and I am really excited to be a part of it.” “We are so excited to grow our team and have Autumn join us to add value in a variety of areas,” says CEGR Director Fred McLaughlin. “She brings really great experience in reservoir characterization, petrology, fluid-rock interactions, and risk assessment that will really enhance our expertise, as well as versatility across a diverse array of interests. We are excited to have such an enthusiastic scientist with her skill level come on board.”

SER Accepting Proposals to Support Energy-Related Equipment Purchases at UW

The University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources (SER) is seeking proposals from current UW employees in need of laboratory equipment or supplies to conduct energy-related research.

Proposals for repairing or upgrading existing equipment up to $100,000; new equipment purchases up to $500,000; and purchasing supplies requests — such as laboratory and testing supplies or computational resources up to $100,000 — will be considered.

To ensure all available funds are expended by Sunday, June 30, proposals will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 2, with selections made by Friday, Feb. 9.

Applicants can combine different areas into a single proposal. However, it is likely that the maximum award given to any single faculty member will not exceed $500,000.

“The School of Energy Resources recognizes that there is a lot of really important energy-related research going on in multiple departments across campus,” says Scott Quillinan, SER senior director of research. “We also realize that, due to budgetary constraints or accessibility issues, there is a lot more advanced research that could be happening with improved and shared equipment. We want to provide an opportunity for the campus community to seek assistance in acquiring new and upgraded equipment to boost the overall capacity for energy-related research.”

To foster further collaboration and efficiency on campus, priority will be given to proposals that can be shared among multiple faculty members or researchers, though it is not a requirement.

Applicants interested in the opportunity should submit a one-page proposal via email to Kristi Russow at krussow@uwyo.edu. The subject line indicated in the full request for proposals and additional information can be found here.

UW to Host Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp This Summer

The University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources (SER) is set to host the 2024 Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp (NIB) July 21-Aug. 2 in Laramie.

Spearheaded by the Washington, D.C.-based Nuclear Innovation Alliance and hosted by SER’s Nuclear Energy Research Center (NERC), the two-week intensive course brings together a select group of students and early-career professionals from all over the world to equip them with the tools and understanding needed to approach clean energy challenges.

“We are very excited to be the host site for this year’s Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp,” says SER Professor of Law Tara Righetti, co-director of NERC. “University of Wyoming students and professionals were fortunate to participate in last year’s program held in Japan, and we are very pleased to bring such an internationally renowned program of this caliber to Wyoming and share our expertise and learnings in the nuclear sector.”

Once a hub for uranium mining and milling, Wyoming has deep connections with the nuclear industry. The state has experienced a renewed interest with the announcement of TerraPower’s and PacifiCorp’s plan to site a Natrium™ advanced nuclear reactor demonstration project at a retiring coal-fired plant near Kemmerer.

“Wyoming is an ideal location to host the bootcamp,” Righetti says. “With the resurgence of nuclear prospects in the state ranging from uranium mining to opportunities to implement advanced nuclear technologies, Wyoming is positioning itself to be a domestic leader and is building capacity to support a future workforce.”

In the program, NIB participants get the opportunity to forge connections with people from all over the world represented throughout industry, academia and government. A broad array of experience from an expansive network of partners informs the curriculum and helps communicate the role of nuclear power in today’s changing energy landscape, incorporating disciplines including technology, engineering, business, public policy and stakeholder engagement.

Additionally, the short course integrates field tours and industry site visits so participants can experience firsthand the nuances of the energy sector in practice.  

“We are very fortunate to have so many engaged industry partners and state entities that have a sincere interest in integrating nuclear in their decarbonization efforts,” Righetti says. “Participants in this year’s bootcamp will get to see an in-situ uranium mining operation, tour a trona processing facility and visit the planned location of the Natrium™ advanced nuclear reactor.”

In addition to engaging in multidisciplinary classes and workshops, participants work to develop group ventures that are ultimately pitched to industry leaders. Past projects have incorporated a diverse range of topics including technology, marketing, policy and public relations.

NIB also invites bootcamp alumni and other experts in startups, business, nuclear technology and innovation to serve as virtual mentors. Those willing to serve for the 2024 workshop will be assigned to the group to provide guidance and answer questions as needed.

Interested students and early-career professionals are encouraged to apply. The application window is open through Monday, Feb. 26.

Applicants, who can be in any field, must be undergraduate students who are currently in at least their third year; graduate students, including Ph.D. students; or early-career professionals who have been working fewer than five years.

Between 25 and 30 people will be selected for participation. Applications will be evaluated based on the individuals’ demonstrated interest in clean energy innovation and/or business development. Successful applicants will be notified of their selection by email at the end of March.

Additional directions and requirements for participants and mentors are provided at www.nuclearinnovationbootcamp.org/2024-wyoming.

SER’s Tim Considine and Paul Bonifas Publish Economic Analysis of Proposed EV Rule

An article penned by energy consultant Paul Bonifas and School of Energy Resources (SER) Professor of Economics Tim Considine analyzing a proposed rule aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) in the United States was published in the Winter 2023-2024 issue of Regulations by the Cato Institute.

In 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new standards on vehicle tailpipe emissions in an effort to limit pollution generated in the motor industry. It’s estimated that compliance with the new rule would require approximately two-thirds of cars and nearly half of medium-duty trucks sold in the year 2032 to be EV’s. In its Regulatory Impact Analysis, the EPA claims this EV proposed rule would yield $1.6 trillion in “net benefits” for Americans through 2055 by estimating costs over a series of categories including pre-tax fuel savings, vehicle technology costs, maintenance savings, climate benefits, charging stations and grid upgrades, repair savings, energy security benefits, air pollutant benefits, and increased refueling time.

The study by Bonifas and Considine finds that instead of saving Americans $1.6 trillion, it would cost Americans $1.4 trillion – a difference of $3.0 trillion.

Supported by SER’s Center for Energy Regulation and Policy Analysis (CERPA), the study by Bonifas and Considine provides an analysis grounded in economic fundamentals of each category and compares those results to the EPA’s analysis.

“After reading through the EPA’s proposed rule and the accompanying draft Regulatory Impact Analysis, we conclude that the estimated benefits of the rule are grossly inflated,” says Bonifas. “We felt it was important to conduct our own analysis to provide a more comprehensive picture of the perceived impacts of the proposed rule for policymakers and the public.” 

Among other discrepancies in the proposed rule, the study asserts that the EPA miscategorizes the $7,500 federal tax rebate as a benefit rather than a cost, it overestimates gasoline savings, and it underestimates electricity costs.

“We concluded that a more realistic analysis of the EPA’s proposed EV rule results in a net cost of $1.4 trillion to American taxpayers, a $3 trillion underestimation by the EPA,” says Considine. “It is a serious question if this cost is worthwhile, and we want policymakers and the public to be in a position in which they can make the most informed decisions possible when it comes to something that will have such widespread impacts.”

“CERPA’s primary function is to produce meaningful, high quality, and impartial analysis to inform policymakers, stakeholders, and the public about issues critical to the economic development of Wyoming’s energy resources,” says CERPA Director Kara Fornstrom. “This work illustrates how important it is to examine proposed rules, especially the estimated economic impacts, and provide evidence-based insights that can inform policy decisions. We are very pleased to have supported Tim and Paul on this research.”

The article can be downloaded from the Cato Institute website  and a research brief can be downloaded from the CERPA website.