What type of electric generation is emphasized in EPRI's carbon capture research?

The emphasis on fossil fuel power generation in EPRI's carbon capture research stems from the need to address carbon emissions from existing and future fossil fuel plants, which are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon capture technology aims to reduce these emissions by capturing carbon dioxide produced during the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas, and oil, before it enters the atmosphere.

This focus is crucial given that fossil fuel power generation currently constitutes a large portion of electricity generation globally. Therefore, improving the sustainability of these energy sources is vital for meeting climate objectives and transitioning to a lower-carbon energy system. Enhanced oil recovery and other methods to utilize captured carbon are also being explored within this research, reinforcing its alignment with the realities of current energy infrastructures.

In contrast, while nuclear, wind, and solar power generation contribute to reducing carbon footprints, they do not typically involve carbon emissions in the same way fossil fuels do. Thus, the development of carbon capture technologies specifically targets the fossil fuel sector to mitigate its environmental impact, making it the central focus in EPRI's research efforts.