Wise County CCS

The Virginia Department of Energy has received a $4.29 million federal grant to study the feasibility of developing a carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage hub in Wise County, Virginia. The project aims to evaluate whether deep underground porous formations can securely and permanently store more than four million metric tons of CO₂ annually from nearby industrial emitters. The study will include infrastructure planning, site characterization, risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, and preparation for future permitting under EPA regulations. The initiative is in a 24-month study phase and will also assess potential economic benefits for Southwest Virginia while ensuring community input is incorporated. Key industrial CO₂ sources in the region include coal preparation plants, coke facilities, power generation sites, a proposed blue hydrogen facility, and nearby chemical manufacturing operations—collectively forming the core emissions contributors targeted for future capture and storage.