Wyoming Infrastructure Authority director testifies on carbon capture research competition

Wyoming Infrastructure Authority (WIA) Executive Director Jason Begger testified before the U.S. Senate Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee at a hearing that focused on carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS) and advanced nuclear technologies.

As executive director at WIA, Begger oversees the Wyoming Integrated Test Center, a coal-fired power plant near Gillette, Wyoming that will be used to test CCUS technologies. The facility is currently under construction.

The center utilizes public-private partnerships to advance its research. WIA established the NRG COSIA Carbon XRPRIZE, which will $20 million to the research teams that can best convert CO2 into valuable products.

Speaking about the competition, Begger said, “First, it provides a mechanism to vet technologies. Only the projects that work advance. Secondly, it sets an aggressive timeline. If they don’t meet certain benchmarks, they don’t advance. Thirdly, it opens to door to entrepreneurs and small inventors. Access to capital isn’t an immediate barrier to entry. Lastly, the notoriety and public recognition for winning the competition will bring investors to them.”

Representing six countries, 27 teams are researching ways to convert CO2 into carbon nanotubes, methanol, building materials, fish food, plastics and other products.

“Strong partnerships with the private sector, especially those industries that would ultimately be a customer of the technology, helps ensure our research objectives are aligned with their economic needs,” Begger said.