Williams invests in carbon capture tech company | Williams Companies

Oct 22, 2024

Williams has invested in ION Clean Energy, a carbon capture technology firm that has developed tools that Williams and its customers can use to further decarbonize operations.

“Our investment in ION aligns with our desire for growth in CCUS efforts, especially when leveraging industry leading technology that provides compelling environmental and economic benefits compared to other solutions on the market,” said Jaclyn Presnal, Vice President of New Energy Ventures for Williams.

“Natural gas is the most powerful tool in decarbonizing the electric power sector and this investment in ION further demonstrates our commitment to fund solutions that support not only our internal sustainability goals but also the goals of our customers.”

ION has patented technology to capture post-combustion point-source CO2 emissions through a liquid amine system. The tech firm is developing a standard plant design, which is a fully modular solution that provides an economical offering for smaller point sources. Natural gas turbines typically found in compressors on midstream pipeline systems would fall within the range supported by this offering. The investment provides the opportunity for Williams to partner with ION on accelerating the deployment of these standard plants.

In addition, ION is currently working on several carbon capture projects for natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plants.

As one of the nation’s largest natural gas transporters, Williams supplies gas that serves NGCC power plants across the country. NGCC power plants represent more than 32 percent of U.S. power generation, according to the EIA, and have been a focal point for emissions reductions mandates.

Given the proximity of these plants to Williams’ service area, Williams sees opportunity to work with ION to support our customers in their decarbonization efforts and provide CO2 capture, transportation, and sequestration.

Williams made its investment of ION through its Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) program, which supports efforts to commercialize emerging technologies including clean hydrogen, solar, carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) and NextGen natural gas.

Through the CVC, Williams has committed over $50 million toward venture funds and direct investment in emerging technology companies at the forefront of energy transition including Context Labs, Encino Environmental Services, Aurora Hydrogen, Orbital Sidekick and LongPath, among others.