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Breadcrumb

  1. Research
  2. Sustainable Energy
  3. Fossil Energy

Fossil Energy

From fundamental science
to field deployment

Equipment used for a Carbon Capture program, which is developing novel solvents for better capturing CO2 from a coal powered power plant.

Andrea Starr | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

  • Electric Grid Modernization
  • Energy Efficiency
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  • Fossil Energy
    • Subsurface Energy Systems
    • Carbon Management
    • Advanced Hydrocarbon Conversion
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At PNNL, we are reducing U.S. dependence on imported oil through innovations for increasingly efficient, sustainable energy production from oil, natural gas, and coal. These carbon-emitting energy sources will continue to serve a crucial role in the global energy mix and will be necessary to support increased use of renewable energy for the foreseeable future.

Our research innovations, from the atomic level to field deployment, support the transition toward a lower-carbon energy future. We integrate chemistry, material science, and process engineering to develop technologies that more efficiently convert hydrocarbons into power, fuels, and chemicals—all critical to environmentally and economically viable production and use of fossil energy.

We contribute scientific understanding, tools, and expertise to safely design and implement permanent geologic storage of carbon dioxide (CO2). We also develop sustainable, cost-effective technologies to support the recovery of oil and gas resources from unconventional environments, such as deep water and the arctic, both onshore and offshore.

Our advanced hydrocarbon conversion researchers focus on advanced materials, catalysts, transformational processes, and integrated systems to support the conversion of fossil hydrocarbons to electricity, fuels, or chemicals. This includes advanced separations technologies for improved efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Recent News

JANUARY 23, 2023
News Release

Scientists Unveil Least Costly Carbon Capture System to Date

Read
PNNL scientist David Heldebrant holds a glass bottle holding a clear liquid.
OCTOBER 19, 2022
Feature

Converting Carbon Dioxide to Minerals Underground

Read
Illustration of a core of rock surrounded by swirls of gas, liquid, and molecules showing the process of carbonate mineralization
JULY 27, 2022
Staff Accomplishment

Heldebrant Appointed Fellow of the American Chemical Society

Read
Man in blue shirt and safety glasses crossing arms
SEE MORE RELATED NEWS

Facilities

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory Applied Process Engineering Laboratory Energy Sciences Center Applied Subsurface Science and Characterization Laboratory

Related Research

Subsurface Science Catalysis Materials Sciences Solid Phase Processing Advanced Hydrocarbon Conversion Subsurface Energy Systems

Related Divisions

Energy Processes & Materials Division
Earth Systems Science Division
Physical Sciences Division

Related Links

What is Biocatalysis?E4D, PNNL's 3D electrical resistivity software for subsurface imagingSTOMP (Subsurface Transport Over Multiple Phases) computer analytics toolJob Opportunities at PNNLE&E News: PNNL-Lanzatech partnership

Brochures

File

PNNL Carbon Management and Fossil Energy Overview brochure - Dec 2020.pdf

Contact

Casie Davidson
Manager, Carbon Management and Fossil Energy Market Sector
casie.davidson@pnnl.gov
509-372-6259

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