Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise (CarbonSAFE): A Mid-Course Evaluation

The Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise (CarbonSAFE) is a program under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) aimed at advancing the deployment of commercial large-scale geologic storage of carbon dioxide (CO₂). This initiative supports the overarching vision of the Carbon Transport and Storage (CTS) Program to enable the decarbonization of the U.S. economy by developing the necessary infrastructure for CO₂ storage and transport. Specifically, the program’s goals include providing access to 2 billion metric tons of geologic storage capacity by 2030 and enabling the injection of 100 million metric tons of CO₂ annually by 2035. The purpose of CarbonSAFE is to address research and development (R&D) gaps and to reduce the technical risks and costs associated with large-scale CO₂ storage projects. It comprises multiple phases, including pre-feasibility studies, site feasibility, site characterization and permitting, advanced engineering design, and ultimately construction. Projects under CarbonSAFE must demonstrate the capability of securely storing a minimum of 50 million metric tons of CO₂ over a 30-year period while ensuring sufficient injectivity. This program also focuses on identifying diverse geographic and geologic locations for storage sites to support national carbon management goals. The initiative is funded through a $2.5 billion allocation under Section 40305 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), designated for Carbon Storage Validation and Testing. Since its inception in 2016, CarbonSAFE has evolved through multiple Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs), with key project awards in various phases. For example, in 2023, DOE selected additional Phase II, III, and IV projects under FOA DE-FOA-0002711, reflecting the program's expansion and commitment to meeting CO₂ storage targets. The current Request for Information (RFI), DE-FOA-0003471, seeks feedback from stakeholders, including project developers, regulators, community leaders, and researchers. It invites input on the effectiveness of CarbonSAFE’s design, project selection, funding levels, and engagement with local communities. Questions within the RFI focus on topics such as the program’s ability to accelerate CO₂ storage deployment, its geographic scope, the 50 million metric ton storage requirement, and community engagement efforts. Respondents are encouraged to provide recommendations on improving the initiative’s design to better support DOE’s long-term decarbonization goals. Responses to this RFI are due by January 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Submissions must be sent via email to CarbonSAFE_RFI@netl.doe.gov and follow specified formatting guidelines. Responses should not exceed 15 pages and must be submitted in PDF or Word format. Importantly, this RFI is not a funding opportunity, and DOE is not accepting applications or proposals at this time. Key eligibility for future funding opportunities under CarbonSAFE typically includes project developers, state and tribal entities, research institutions, and other stakeholders involved in carbon storage infrastructure. Projects are prioritized based on their potential to meet commercial-scale CO₂ storage thresholds and their alignment with national climate goals.