Full Title: Decarbonization: Opportunities Exist to Improve the Department of Energy's Management of Risks to Carbon Capture Projects
Author(s): U.S. Government Accountability Office
Publisher(s): U.S. GAO
Publication Date: May 16, 2024
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Description (excerpt):
In 2023, carbon dioxide (CO2), the most abundant greenhouse gas, reached a record high concentration in the Earth’s atmosphere, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Scientific assessments have shown that reducing CO2 emissions could help mitigate the negative effects of climate change. The federal government aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2, by no later than 2050.
Carbon capture and direct air capture technologies have the potential to help the government meet the 2050 goal. The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act appropriated about $12 billion for DOE to administer new carbon capture and direct air capture projects.
Congress included a provision in the USE IT Act for GAO to review federally funded carbon capture and direct air capture projects. This report (1) describes the funds obligated by DOE to support these projects from fiscal years 2018 through 2023 and (2) examines DOE’s project selection and management. GAO analyzed laws, regulations, and guidance; DOE funding data; and DOE documents for a sample of 40 projects. GAO selected projects to range in type, funding, and stage. GAO also interviewed DOE officials.
GAO is recommending that FECM (1) more clearly document project risk treatment strategies and (2) ensure that the office adheres to guidance for selecting projects that are deemed to be technically acceptable. DOE agreed with GAO’s recommendations.