Researchers from West Virginia are at the forefront of developing carbon capture technology for a cleaner energy future

New Rules Proposed for Coal and Gas Power Plants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has suggested new rules for coal and natural gas power plants to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2038. Congress allocated $3.5 billion for carbon capture and storage projects last year, with some of the research taking place in West Virginia. Researchers at West Virginia University, led by Dr. Xingbo Liu, are at the forefront of this effort. They are exploring ways to capture and use carbon dioxide from power plants, even turning it into materials for medical purposes like cancer treatment. While some critics argue that carbon capture only prolongs the use of coal and natural gas, researchers at WVU are also investigating smaller-scale applications for cars and homes. However, the cost of such technology remains a challenge. The university is conducting multidisciplinary research to address these economic aspects of carbon capture.