Energy Tomorrow Blog
Updated API Pipeline Standard Helps Support CCUS Expansion
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John D. Siciliano
Posted August 18, 2021
Expanding the use of carbon capture, utilization and storage technology (CCUS) to commercial scale, by our industry and others, is integral to a lower-carbon future (see API’s Climate Action Framework). Elements of the latest edition of API’s most widely used pipeline standard provide important support for CCUS expansion.
API Standard 1104 (22nd edition, “Welding Pipelines and Related Facilities”) includes new technology and safety provisions for pipeline transportation of not only oil but also carbon dioxide collected by CCUS technology for storage or use in a variety of technologies and essential products – including construction materials, a range of cleaner-burning fuels, carbon nanotubes for advanced electronics and batteries, and other critical materials.
API Standard 1104 provides requirements for the types of welding needed to construct and maintain pipelines that transport both conventional commodities and carbon dioxide. The standard’s updated requirements are designed to enhance pipeline safety, structural integrity and efficiency through application of API’s world-class standard.
CCUS Gets Administration Backing in New CEQ Report
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Mark Green
Posted August 12, 2021
Expanding carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) has backing from the Biden administration, reflected in a new report to Congress from the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).
The report pledges the administration’s commitment to “accelerating the responsible development and deployment of carbon capture, utilization, and permanent sequestration as needed to decarbonize the U.S. economy by mid-century.”
We agree, because CCUS expansion will help industries across the economy – not just natural gas and oil – reduce emissions. Industries that rely on high heat or have process emissions, including cement and steel manufacturing, can benefit from CCUS. Check API’s Climate Action Framework to learn more about our industry’s support for CCUS.
Growing Momentum for Carbon Capture
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Mark Green
Posted July 2, 2021
Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is a rarity in Washington: a technology that apparently is liked by just about everyone – Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike. It certainly looks like the future for CCUS – identified in API’s Climate Action Framework as key in addressing the risks of climate change while also developing the energy America needs to grow and be safe – is bright.
That’s the big takeaway from this week’s webinar by Our Energy Policy, a non-profit facilitator of civil dialogue on energy policy issues. Event panelists agreed that CCUS generally and specifically, the 45Q tax credit to spur CCUS projects, has lawmakers on Capitol Hill practically locking arms in support.
Fast-tracking the commercial scale-up of CCUS is a major industry priority, because it allows continued robust natural gas and oil development while simultaneously reducing carbon dioxide associated with that development.
'A Turning Point in the National Climate Debate'
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Mark Green
Posted March 31, 2021
API’s new Climate Framework touched off predictable reaction from certain circles – ranging from groups that oppose industry’s very existence to others focused on a single aspect of the framework, carbon pricing.
Frankly, API’s action plan speaks to the vast majority of Americans who support commonsense approaches for lowering greenhouse gas emissions and further improving environmental protections – while also providing the energy from natural gas and oil that our country needs to grow and prosper.
Through the Climate Framework our industry is offering substantive leadership on the climate/energy challenge, with the overarching goal of meaningful progress.
Positioned for Climate Action
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Mark Green
Posted March 25, 2021
API’s new Climate Action Framework is much more than a list of policies and actions to address the risks of climate change. It’s a values statement, the natural gas and oil industry’s commitment to lead on the twin necessities of cleaner energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
We can achieve both. The natural gas and oil industry details in this framework an action plan to get it done, working together with government and other stakeholders. As the plan states in its opening sentences, it’s the opportunity of our time.
Federal Legislation Supports CCUS as Economy-Wide Climate Solution
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John D. Siciliano
Posted March 1, 2021
The COVID-19 relief and government spending bill passed by Congress in December, the Energy Act of 2020, included an important boost for carbon-capture utilization and storage (CCUS) technology – a must-have as an economy-wide way to address the risks of climate change. ...
The natural gas and oil industry, along with groups representing a broad range of industry sectors, have demonstrated continued and growing support for CCUS, and believe the Energy Act of 2020 lends critical support for key research and innovation to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint.
Why U.S. Natural Gas is Key to Addressing Ambitions of the Paris Agreement
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Mike Sommers
Posted January 19, 2021
Addressing the challenge of global climate change will require the collective efforts of the U.S. government and the business community, and America’s natural gas and oil industry is committed – through public policies and private-sector initiatives – to delivering climate solutions.
API supports the ambitions of the Paris Climate Agreement, including the call for global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By encouraging the development of groundbreaking technologies, like carbon capture, utilization and storage, and promoting the uptake of cleaner-burning natural gas, our members are driving environmental progress while meeting the world’s long-term energy needs.
Ready for Recovery: Four Ways We're Tackling Today’s Climate Challenges
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Mike Sommers
Posted December 14, 2020
That includes addressing the risks of climate change. Americans do not have to make the false choice between utilizing our nation’s energy resources and protecting the environment. We can do both.
Here are four ways natural gas and oil companies are stepping up.
Natural Gas Is Integral in Path to Sustainable Future
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Mark Green
Posted October 19, 2020
There’s an interesting subplot the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) recent report on the technology push that’s needed to reach sustainability targets: the empowering, essential role of natural gas.
It bears repeating: Abundant, affordable natural gas is critical to the growth of renewable energy, supplying reliable fuel for power generation when intermittent sources aren’t available. Natural gas and petroleum are used in the manufacturing of renewable technologies and in the development of potential game-changers such as hydrogen.
Even if the United States alone were to meet the aggressive sustainability goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, natural gas and oil would still make up 46% of the energy mix in 2040. Indeed, IEA expects natural gas demand to rebound by almost 3% in the next year, and oil demand should similarly recover within coming years. In another report, IEA indicates that those who herald oil’s demise are doing so prematurely.
Meanwhile, natural gas provides reliable and affordable energy that we will depend on for the foreseeable future. In fact, natural gas will be essential in helping the world reach its sustainability goals.
100 Days: Industry is Committed to Environmental Protection
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Mark Green
Posted April 24, 2017