CO2 Capture, Utilization and Storage and Natural Gas/Oil Recovery – Harnessing Scientific Development and Business Principles to Achieve Fossil Energy Sustainability

Fossil fuels currently comprise more than 80 percent of global (and U.S.) energy consumption and are expected to continue to play a critical role in meeting the world’s energy needs for the foreseeable future.  Making use of these fuel sources in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner will require technologies that can be broadly applied in the marketplace.  The Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy is focused on the research, development and deployment (RD&D) of technologies that combine the latest scientific and technical advances with sound business principles to achieve fossil energy sustainability in an economically viable manner.  Key examples of this RD&D include carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies to achieve carbon dioxide (CO₂) mitigation while storing and commercially utilizing the captured CO₂, and advanced approaches to natural gas and oil recovery, such as hydraulic fracturing.  Going forward, a critical focus will also be on ensuring the safety and sustainability of these technologies and practices.