Economic Development
WYOMING INTEGRATED TEST CENTER
The Wyoming Integrated Test Center (ITC) successfully hosted two NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE teams in 2020, CO2 Concrete and Dimensional Energy, who were able to successfully complete their tests for the competition. TDA Research is still onsite testing their carbon capture technology.
2021 is gearing up to be an exciting year as we continue to work with Kawasaki Heavy Industries and JCOAL on their carbon capture project, as well as with Columbia University on their GreenOre carbon utilization technology. It was recently announced that the Department of Energy selected GTI (Gas Technology Institute) to conduct a $16.25 million test of their membrane technology at the ITC. We will work closely with them as they move their project forward.
The ITC continues to work with MTR (Membrane Technology and Research) and the University of Kentucky on their Department of Energy large-pilot project applications; both organizations have selected the ITC as their host site if they are successful with their award applications.
WYOMING INNOVATION CENTER
The leading-edge Wyoming Innovation Center (WyIC), in the heart of the Powder River Basin, is an intermediate-level facility where lab-proven technologies can continue research and development at pilot-scale and pre-commercialization levels. The nine and a half-acre facility will offer land, workspace and ready access to carbon feedstocks.
The main building will be approximately 5,000 square feet and includes laboratory, offices, a community conference room and a shop receiving area. A second building will house coal receiving and processing equipment. A primary feature of the WyIC includes seven gravel pads where large-scale pilot-plants can be constructed and operated. Each pad will be connected with basic utilities. Depending on tenant needs, the gravel pads can be paved with asphalt or concrete for pilot-plant construction and operation.
The WyIC is collaboratively funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Wyoming Business Council, City of Gillette and Campbell County. Construction is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2021.
One of the most innovative components the WyIC is pursuing is a “bubble” air quality permit. A bubble permit provides a number of advantages for WyIC tenants by providing a means for less expensive pollution control, but not less pollution control. Obtaining a bubble permit for the WyIC facility also benefits tenants by alleviating the need to apply for an