MORGANTOWN —
Carbon capture and storage is not commercially viable ... yet.
What CCS lacks is funding and federal commitment to invest in fossil fuel research.
That was the message that many coal and utility leaders expressed during a forum on the nation’s energy needs Monday at West Virginia University’s National Research Center for Coal and Energy. The forum, which included lawmakers, energy industry leaders and experts in the field, was co-hosted by U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., and WVU. U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., also attended the forum, and the two lawmakers said they would bring ideas expressed during the three-hour discussion back to the Capitol to share with colleagues.
By design, the CCS process collects carbon dioxide from flue gas streams at power plants that burn coal to generate electricity, pumping it 1.5 miles underground and into a reservoir. But multi-million dollar commercial efforts backed by even more federal dollars have halted because of the cost burden in a time when the nation has no clear energy plan. And that hit very close to home in 2011 when American Electric Power announced that plans were being put on hold to build a carbon capture and sequestering system (CCS) at its Mountaineer power plant in New Haven. Backed by federal stimulus funds announced in late 2009, AEP was to be one of three companies in the country charged with expanding CCS technology on a commercial scale and developing a working model for the rest of the nation and world to follow.
Local News
Officials: Few funds for fossil fuel research
Technology could be commercially viable with investment
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Adult & Community Education Center students mark milestone: PHOTOS
Students of the Marion County Adult & Community Education Center celebrated their completion of the General Education Development test at a graduation ceremony Tuesday evening at the Feaster Center on the campus of Fairmont State University.
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Hearing set for murder suspects
The two men indicted in the 1974 triple Windmill Park murders will share a pretrial hearing on June 25.
According to records obtained at the Marion County Circuit Court, a hearing for Eddie Jack Washington and Phillip Reese Bush is set for 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, in front of Circuit Judge Michael Aloi. -
Gravel, fuel spills cause traffic delays in county
Once again, drivers were forced to take a detour from Interstate 79.
This time, instead of near mile marker 139 northbound, it was at the southbound 136 mile marker near Pleasant Valley. -
Pierpont to move some classrooms, offices downtown
Pierpont Community & Technical College has announced its plan to move some of its classrooms and administrative offices from its shared campus with Fairmont State University to Veterans’ Square in downtown Fairmont.
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Mannington bridge named in honor of ‘Doc’ and Florence Elliott
The Clarksburg Street Bridge in Mannington will soon have a new name.
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$1B deal for power plant is defended
Next week, FirstEnergy’s proposal to transfer full ownership of the Harrison Power Station to Mon Power comes before the Public Service Commission of West Virginia.
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Students’ achievements recognized by BOE
The Marion County Board of Education took time out at its meeting Monday night to focus on student achievement.
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Pam Basnett says she’s blessed to be a grandmother
They say there’s nothing like being a grandparent.
Pam Basnett had heard that but pretty much gave it no thought. -
Midsummer goal for decision on FGH strategic partner
Fairmont General Hospital officials hope to have an announcement midsummer regarding a strategic partner that would take over the facility.
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Rivesville woman charged with felony forgery and uttering
A Marion County woman was arrested Saturday by Rivesville police on felony forgery, uttering and embezzlement charges.
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