Equinor, Battelle to explore CCS in Appalachian basin

Norwegian Equinor and technology provider Battelle said February 1 they had entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the development of a decarbonised regional energy cluster in the heart of the Appalachian shale gas basin.

“The Appalachian Basin is an important energy-producing region that also shows great promise in being a leader for the decarbonisation of American industry,” said Chris Golden, Equinor’s US country manager. “Our regional hub vision will meet tomorrow’s energy demands while maintaining America’s industrial competitiveness within a net-zero scenario.”

The partnership will enable the “timely and progressive development” of one of the first low-carbon industrial clusters in the US, centred on the tri-state region of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Under the terms of the MOU, Equinor and Battelle will undertake feasibility studies to examine the regional potential for carbon capture and storage (CCS) and collaborate on stakeholder outreach.