Meriden Carbon Lands DOE Funding for Carbon Storage Hub in Wyoming
Meriden Carbon, a pioneering venture formed by a group of Wyoming ranchers in Laramie County, has secured a $9 million cooperative agreement from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to advance its ambitious carbon storage project, Carbon Herald reports.
The funding, provided through the DOE’s CarbonSAFE Phase II program under the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), marks a significant milestone in the development of the Steamboat Carbon Storage Hub, one of the largest carbon storage initiatives in the United States.
Founded in early 2023, Meriden Carbon takes a novel approach by integrating local landowners into its business model. The company empowers ranchers with ownership stakes and decision-making authority, emphasizing the importance of local involvement in energy development. By leveraging over 100,000 contiguous acres of land, the Steamboat Carbon Storage Hub aims to address the growing global demand for carbon storage solutions.
The DOE funding will enable Meriden Carbon to partner with institutions such as the University of Wyoming, the Energy & Environmental Research Center, the Payne Institute for Public Policy, and Advanced Resources International. These collaborations will help validate the project’s potential to store substantial volumes of carbon dioxide, positioning Wyoming as a key player in global carbon management efforts.
Local rancher Jon Kirkbride emphasized the project’s significance for his family and the wider community.
“This project embodies the spirit of Wyoming—hard work, innovation, and determination. It’s about securing a sustainable future for the next generation,” Kirkbride said.
Jeff Kummer, founder and CEO of Meriden Carbon, highlighted the importance of collaborating with Wyoming’s legacy ranching families.
“It has been one of the highlights of my career to establish this company in direct partnership with ranching families in southeast Wyoming… This opportunity is special, and I am grateful for it,” Kummer said.
