PSC issues draft report on the potential for carbon sequestration, seeks comment

A news release issued by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin:

MADISON – Today, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued a draft report on the potential of geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide produced by Wisconsin’s coal-fired power plants. The PSC is asking for public input on the draft report.

Based on recommendations by the Governor's Task Force on Global Warming, the PSC and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources formed a Study Group to look into the potential for carbon sequestration in Wisconsin, a process of capturing carbon dioxide produced by coal-fired power plants that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere and securely storing, or sequestering, the carbon dioxide underground. Carbon dioxide is one of several known greenhouse gases (GHG) that contribute to global warming.

“New regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions appear to be inevitable,” said PSC Commissioner Mark Meyer. “These regulations could radically change the economics of coal-fired electric generation unless the associated carbon dioxide emissions are reduced. I want to thank the work group for their hard work in preparing this report. It is in step with keeping Governor Doyle’s vision of Wisconsin being a leader in producing cleaner more efficient energy.”

Wisconsin currently relies on coal for roughly 38% of the state’s installed electric generating capacity and 66% of actual generation. Coal has historically been an abundant and inexpensive fuel for electric generation, but it also emits more carbon dioxide per unit of electricity than any other fuel in common use, making it the largest source of GHG in Wisconsin and nationally, responsible for more than 30% of total emissions.

The Study Group found that several promising technologies are being developed and tested for capturing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. Carbon dioxide can be captured either pre- or post-combustion, depending on the type of power plant, and compressed for transport and disposal. The Study Group also found that long-distance transport of carbon dioxide is a proven, viable option with over 3,000 miles of pipeline already in use for this purpose nationwide.

The Study Group conducted its business publicly. All meetings were open to the public, and associated documents were available to the public via the Public Service Commission website.

The PSC is looking for the public to comment on the draft report by April 2, 2010. The draft report, An Investigation to Explore the Potential for Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide Produced by Wisconsin’s Electricity Generation Fleet, can be found by visiting the PSC website and clicking on the Regulatory Filing System (ERF) at http://psc.wi.gov/. Type case numbers 5-EI-145 in the boxes provided on the ERF system.