GILLETTE, Wyo. – At the first in-person meeting of the International Test Center Network (ITCN) in more three years, the Wyoming Integrated Test Center (ITC) was officially inducted into the global coalition of facilities that all aim to accelerate CCUS research and development.
The network began in 2012 with the goal of sharing public information among test facilities around the world. There are 14 other members of the network, spanning the globe with member facilities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. The ITC is now the largest U.S. testing facility to be included in the ITCN.
“Having the Wyoming Integrated Test Center as part of this global coalition solidifies our center’s place among the handful of facilities in the world that can aid CCUS technologies to commercial deployment,” said Jason Begger, managing director of the ITC. “Finding solutions to carbon emissions while maintaining our dispatchable generation fleet is critical. This network allows members to knowledge share different aspects of CCUS development to aid the cost-effectiveness of deploying a suite of technology solutions.”
“Wyoming is committed to finding solutions to carbon emissions, and the Integrated Test Center plays an important role in the global deployment of carbon capture and carbon utilization technologies,” Governor Mark Gordon said. “The impact of commercially successful CCUS technologies will extend the viability of coal as a fuel, and such technologies can be exported to coal-producing areas around the world. I fully support other forms of energy, including wind, solar and nuclear, but coal’s reliability and low cost is important for maintaining grid stability.”
The ITCN typically meets every year, generally in conjunction with major CCUS events, such as the International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies (GHGT). Partner facilities gain access to resources and participate in meetings where challenges, ideas and solutions are presented.
“As an original co-founder of the International Test Center Network, the National Carbon Capture Center is excited to welcome Wyoming Integrated Test Center to the network,” said John Northington, National Carbon Capture Center director and director of net-zero technologies R&D for Southern Company. “Broad knowledge sharing among CCUS facilities is essential to move technology to commercial-scale, and the Wyoming ITC will help further this important collaboration.”