#United States #New Orleans #CO2 capture #JERA #Newlab

Revolutionizing Power Generation with CO₂ Capture Technologies

In a significant move to address global power demands and emissions targets, Newlab New Orleans and Japan's leading power generation firm, JERA Co., Inc., have announced a strategic partnership. This collaboration focuses on commercializing advanced point-source carbon capture technologies designed specifically for power generation facilities. Amidst the rapid growth across industries like advanced manufacturing and data centers, there is a pressing need for dependable, low-carbon energy, particularly in areas like Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.

As energy consumption surges, traditional carbon capture systems have faced considerable challenges, especially in efficiently processing the lower CO₂ concentrations from the flue gases emitted by combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGTs). These challenges not only lead to high energy penalties but also result in the degradation of the absorbents used in the carbon capture process. To overcome these obstacles, Newlab and JERA are committed to advancing next-generation capture technologies. This includes researching and testing innovative solvents, solid sorbents, membranes, and hybrid configurations that aim to enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs.

Takeshi Kodama, Head of JERA Ventures, emphasized the importance of their initiative: “JERA Ventures was created to identify, test, and scale breakthrough technologies that can transform the future of global energy systems. Our partnership with Newlab New Orleans is designed to pave the way for pilot projects and ultimately for the deployment of commercial-scale technologies that align with our global markets.”

To support this initiative, Newlab has established a public-private partnership in Louisiana, utilizing the state’s robust industrial base to develop critical technologies related to carbon management, advanced fuels, and decarbonization strategies. Their approach connects promising startups with industrial environments, facilitating the transition of technologies from pilot stages to commercial applications.

Sahil Jain, VP of Strategy at Newlab, remarked on Louisiana’s position as a key energy hub: “Solutions validated in this region are globally relevant. Together with JERA, we are creating a platform to assess new carbon capture technologies against real-world flue gas profiles. Our aim is to reduce the risks associated with these technologies and expedite their deployment to meet the power sector’s urgent decarbonization mandates.”

The partnership built on JERA's established investments in Louisiana’s energy landscape is anticipated to accelerate carbon capture efforts and enhance decarbonization strategies, not just in the region, but also globally. JERA’s portfolio includes the world’s largest low-carbon ammonia facility, along with significant investments in solar power and upstream shale gas assets, reflecting the company’s commitment to providing innovative solutions to global energy challenges.

As the partnership progresses, Newlab and JERA plan to utilize insights gained from their collaboration to scale initiatives aimed at carbon capture and power system decarbonization in both Louisiana and other critical markets around the world. The two entities invite tech developers focusing on industrial decarbonization to connect, indicating an open-door policy toward collaboration in this vital field.

About Newlab and JERA

Newlab serves as a transformative venture platform aiding startups in core industrial sectors, emphasizing technology commercialization. They operate five innovation hubs worldwide and engage with over 50 industry partners, supporting more than 400 startups in raising substantial venture capital.

Conversely, JERA stands as Japan’s largest power generation company, committed to delivering cutting-edge energy solutions. With significant global influence over the energy supply chain and a pledge to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050, JERA is a pivotal player in advancing the energy transition towards sustainability. For more information on these initiatives, please visit Newlab's website and JERA's website.