NRG Energy wins $154 million grant for carbon capture project

NRG Energy Inc., the second-largest power producer in Texas, will receive $154 million in federal funding for a project that captures carbon dioxide from a coal- burning power plant.

Government funding will help the U.S. keep pace with China and other countries that are developing clean energy technologies, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said today. NRG is building a 60 megawatt carbon capture demonstration project at a power plant in Thompsons, Texas.

About half of U.S. power comes from burning coal and capturing carbon emissions from coal is seen as a key technology to fighting climate change. Systems to trap carbon dioxide from smoke stakes and bury it underground have yet to be proven commercially.

“Over the long haul, the cost of oil and other forms of energy will rise over the coming decades and the risks of climate change are becoming increasing apparent,” Chu said at a conference in Houston. “Other countries, notably China and the European countries, are recognizing the realities.”

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