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 Governor Beshear Announces Public-Private Partnership to Test Geology for Carbon Storage

Peabody Energy, ConocoPhillips, E.ON U.S. will work with Kentucky Geological Survey on Carbon Storage Research

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear today announced that the state is partnering with the newly created Western Kentucky Carbon Storage Foundation to advance the science of long-term carbon storage opportunities in the Commonwealth.

Peabody Energy, ConocoPhillips and E.ON U.S. formed the non-profit Foundation to work with the Kentucky Geological Survey in a project that includes drilling a well to test the Knox and Mount Simon geological formations at a site in Hancock County*

“The importance of carbon dioxide sequestration research for our state’s and the nation’s energy future cannot be overstated,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky has been a strong supporter of efforts to develop partnerships and projects such as this one, and the results from this testing are crucial in our quest to develop and implement clean coal technologies and become a world leader in energy production.”

The Geological Survey, based at the University of Kentucky, will lead project research in conjunction with other state agencies. The Foundation will provide technical assistance along with the majority of project funding. An agreement on a well site is expected to be signed within several weeks.
“Proving the feasibility of carbon storage in deep saline reservoirs is important for Kentucky’s future,” said Jim Cobb, State Geologist and Director of the Geological Survey. “The Kentucky General Assembly made this test possible through passage of the 2007 energy bill. We are happy to be working with the Foundation and our industry partners whose participation is vital to the success of this research.”

The test is responsive to Kentucky’s legislative mandate calling for research on Kentucky’s carbon storage potential. It includes drilling a well and injecting a small amount of carbon dioxide into formations as much as 8,300 feet below the surface and will analyze the suitability of long-term geologic storage.

Drilling is anticipated to occur this winter, with the carbon dioxide injection test in spring 2009. The project will also include significant monitoring by the Geological Survey.

“This project brings together a diverse energy team with a common goal of advancing the science of carbon capture and storage,” said Dianna Tickner, Chair of the Western Kentucky Carbon Storage Foundation and Peabody’s Vice President of Generation and Btu Conversion. “The information and knowledge gained from this research will benefit both the commonwealth and the entire nation.”

Peabody and ConocoPhillips are progressing with a joint feasibility study for a large, commercial scale coal gasification project that would produce substitute natural gas. The plant would be fueled by a new coal mine to be located in western Kentucky. An analysis of multiple long-term carbon dioxide solutions is part of the feasibility study.

Peabody Energy is the world’s largest private-sector coal company, with 2007 sales of 238 million tons and $4.6 billion in revenues. Its coal products fuel approximately 10 percent of all U.S. electricity generation and 2 percent of worldwide electricity.

ConocoPhillips is an integrated energy company with interests around the world. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company has approximately 32,800 employees and $183 billion of assets.
E.ON U.S. is a subsidiary of E.ON A.G., the world's largest investor-owned energy services provider.  E.ON US owns and operates Louisville Gas and Electric Company, a regulated utility that serves 318,000 natural gas and 390,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties, and Kentucky Utilities Company, a regulated electric utility in Lexington that serves 518,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and five counties in Virginia.

*Editor’s Note: Hancock County is between Louisville and Owensboro. Map  The County is represented by Sen. Carroll Gibson (R-5th District Majority Whip) and Rep. Dwight D. Butler (R-18th District).

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