The following statement may be attributed to Patrice Lahlum, vice president of Carbon Management (interim) at the Great Plains Institute:
“The Great Plains Institute welcomes today’s announcement by the US Department of Energy (DOE) of their selection of two commercial-scale and 19 early-stage projects for award negotiations for the Regional Direct Air Capture Hubs program. This selection is pivotal for advancing the development and implementation of direct air capture (DAC) technologies essential for curbing US carbon emissions and achieving midcentury climate goals.
“Through this program, DOE is allocating $1.2 billion out of $3.5 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to drive the design, planning, construction, and operation of DAC hubs, as well as the advancement of DAC technology through various stages of technical maturity.
Commercial-scale DAC Hubs awardees selected by DOE
“The Great Plains Institute is committed to promoting a spectrum of carbon management solutions. Our active engagement in convening the Carbon Capture Coalition, Regional Carbon Capture Deployment Initiative, Industrial Innovation Initiative, and Carbon Action Alliance underscores our dedication to facilitating the deployment of carbon management projects, including DAC, that contribute to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, fostering domestic energy and industrial production, protecting and creating skilled jobs, and providing environmental and economic benefits to affected communities.
“The importance of the DOE’s DAC Hubs program is reflected in GPI’s Direct Air Capture Atlas, which provides essential insights for identifying regions in the United States best suited for DAC deployment. This atlas acts as a helpful guide, giving policy makers, businesses, and other stakeholders information on what locations DAC facilities could have the biggest positive effect.
“Early next year, we will publish a study in collaboration with the Rhodium Group that will quantify the economic implications and employment opportunities stemming from these DAC hubs, reinforcing DAC’s potential as a robust climate change mitigation tool while fostering sustainable job growth in communities across the nation. We believe this new data will help demonstrate how the new DAC hubs will benefit people.
“We thank the DOE for their dedication to advancing DAC technology, and we reaffirm our commitment to collaborative efforts with stakeholders and private sector partners. Together, we are poised to drive forward the development and deployment of direct air capture technologies, contributing to a more resilient and environmentally sustainable future.”
About the Great Plains Institute
A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) accelerates the transition to net-zero carbon emissions for the benefit of people, the economy, and the environment. Working across the US, we combine a unique consensus-building approach, expert knowledge, research and analysis, and local action to find and implement lasting solutions. Our work strengthens communities and provides greater economic opportunity through creation of higher-paying jobs, expansion of the nation’s industrial base, and greater domestic energy independence while eliminating carbon emissions.
Media Contact:
Ben Finzel
(202) 277-6286
