Project overview
The Roadmap to CCUS in the Michigan Basin is a comprehensive initiative aimed at accelerating the deployment of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) in Michigan. This project will establish a technical assistance partnership to support the growth of an environmentally responsible and socially equitable carbon management industry.
The initiative is led by the Michigan Geological Survey (MGS) and Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education (MGRRE) in collaboration with Battelle, INTERA Incorporated, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (DOE-NETL). Carbon Solutions has been requested to co-lead Task 2.0 – Community Benefits Plan and Implementation, co-lead Task 4.0 – Technical Assistance, and support the remaining tasks as needed.
By integrating research, community engagement, and policy development, the project seeks to lay the foundation for large-scale CCUS implementation in the region. The initiative is structured around a multi-phase research plan spanning three years, ensuring the collection of critical data and insights necessary for the development of a CCUS roadmap tailored to Michigan’s unique geological and industrial landscape.
Purpose and Key Objectives
The project will conduct a series of research and technical support activities, including technology transfer, community outreach, storage resource management, and regulatory assessments, to facilitate CCUS adoption. Key objectives include evaluating Michigan’s storage resources, reservoir management, and transportation infrastructure while addressing policy and regulatory challenges. The project will also focus on data gap analysis, site readiness, and technology matching to optimize direct air capture (DAC) siting and CCUS infrastructure planning. Additionally, a CCUS directory will be developed to support industry stakeholders, prioritizing minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses in alignment with broader Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) goals.
Community Impact and Future Development
A central focus of this initiative is ensuring that CCUS development is socially responsible and inclusive. The project team will implement a Community Benefits Plan, engaging with local communities, conducting outreach and education programs, and assessing the societal impact of CCUS deployment. This includes evaluating environmental justice considerations, ensuring safe and equitable project siting, and providing training programs to develop a skilled carbon management workforce. By integrating technical expertise with community-driven insights, the Roadmap to CCUS in the Michigan Basin will serve as a scalable model for future carbon storage initiatives, supporting both regional decarbonization efforts and national climate goals.
