Exxon to Transport, Store 2 mtpa of CO2 from Calpine Facility

Exxon Mobil Corp. has agreed to transport and permanently store up to 2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of CO₂ from Calpine Corp.’s Baytown Energy Center, Exxon said April 23.

The CO₂ from Calpine’s cogeneration facility will tie into Exxon’s CO₂ pipeline system on the Gulf Coast for sequestration and enhanced oil recovery purposes.

Calpine’s Baytown carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project is expected to produce 500 megawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 500,000 homes. 

“As the largest U.S. generator of electricity from natural gas, we understand that the nation’s gas fleet will remain the backbone of the grid for decades to come,” said Caleb Stephenson, Calpine executive vice President. “We believe CCS is an actionable and cost-effective way to meet customers' demand for reliable power and alleviate concerns about the indisputable long-term need for gas-fired facilities. Low-cost natural gas along with carbon capture technology and widespread geologic storage resources can bolster U.S. energy, natural gas use, jobs, and export strength.”

Calpine is Exxon’s sixth CCS customer for a total of approximately 16 mtpa of CO₂ under contract.