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NETL’s Resource Sustainability programs focus on reducing the environmental impacts of our historical and continued use of fossil fuels through support research and development (R&D) projects that further the DOE Office of Resource Sustainability objectives to improve the environmentally prudent characterization, production, transportation and utilization of our nation’s abundant natural resources. Research focused on critical minerals and materials, carbon ore processing, advanced remediation technologies, methane mitigation technologies (including the Methane Emissions Reduction Program), and natural gas decarbonization and hydrogen technologies are critical for supporting the administration’s goals of decarbonizing the energy sector by 2035 and creating a “net-zero” carbon economy by 2050. Research being conducted by these programs is supported by program funding, as well as funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and in Inflation Reduction Act and focuses on supporting technology innovation and validation and responsible resource development. This research is conducted by and in collaboration with a variety of energy stakeholders, including policymakers, industry and academia.
The objectives of the NETL’s Resource Sustainability Programs are to:
Program objectives are advanced by supporting fundamental science concepts, identifying the key research questions that present challenges to industry stakeholders, and identifying enabling technologies to meet these challenges. A critical component to successful R&D supported by NETL is leveraging industry and academic partners to provide validation for concepts and technologies related to these challenges. Addressing these questions and advancing the development of novel tools, technologies, and concepts are the primary drivers of these program research initiatives.
NETL’s research seeks to expand beyond the current state of scientific standards and industry best practices with focuses ranging from fundamental laboratory work through prototype development and field validation.
NETL partners with industry, academia, technology developers, government agencies, and other national laboratories to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of research projects throughout its portfolio. NETL works closely with key stakeholders to collect insight on issues where advances in technology may prove valuable, processes this information, and uses it to make informed R&D decisions and assist industry stakeholders in overcoming challenges related to each of its research programs, including:
Minerals Sustainability
Developing and validating technologies to economically produce rare earth oxides and critical materials from carbon ore, coal-based resources, and other unconventional feedstocks to develop a range of carbon-based and critical mineral products, spanning the entire value spectrum from high-volume through high-value, for applications outside of traditional thermal and metallurgical markets. This program includes efforts in the areas of Critical Minerals and Materials and Carbon Ore Processing.
Advanced Remediation Technologies
Research and validate new technologies, tools, and processes to ensure the environmentally prudent development and remediation of existing oil and natural gas resources. This program includes efforts in the areas of Environmentally Prudent Stewardship, Gas Hydrates, and Water Management Technologies.
Methane Mitigation Technologies
Develop new technologies for better quantification and mitigation of methane emissions from each portion of the natural gas value chain. This program includes efforts in the areas of Methane Mitigation, Methane Quantification, Undocumented Orphaned Wells, and Natural Gas Conversion.
Natural Gas Decarbonization and Hydrogen Technologies
Accelerate the energy transition through supporting technology development and characterization for hydrogen production, transport, and subsurface storage.
Energy Asset Transformation
The Energy Asset Transformation Program is focused on leveraging and transforming legacy energy assets to clean energy applications. These efforts represent some of the most promising opportunities to unite private sector and energy community interests in places where employment and opportunity is on the decline. Transforming these existing energy assets to clean energy and manufacturing uses is essential to address climate change and achieve a sustainable future.
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NETL implements this effort as part of DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management’s (FECM) Resource Sustainability Program