WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) announced Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative Inc., has received $2,723,512 for an industrial carbon capture and storage project that will include construction of a new plant near Rogers City.  The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

“This funding will allow Wolverine Power to develop innovative new technologies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions while also creating jobs for our workers,” Stupak said.  “I am pleased Secretary Chu is investing this stimulus money in Northern Michigan so we can continue to be a leader in developing and implementing green technology here in Michigan and across the nation.”

“Wolverine is honored to have been chosen for a demonstration carbon capture grant award in conjunction with the Wolverine Clean Energy Venture project in Rogers City,” said Craig Borr, executive vice president of Wolverine Power. “We look forward to fully exploring the many opportunities for Michigan contemplated in our grant application when the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality acts on our pending air quality permit for the project.”

Wolverine Power will use the grant to demonstrate advanced amines and additives supplied by Hitachi and Dow to capture 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year.  Wolverine Power will build a 600-megawatt circulating fluidized bed power plant near Rogers City as part of the project.

The Wolverine Power project was announced by DOE as part of the first round of funding from $1.4 billion in ARRA funds for the selection of 12 projects to capture carbon dioxide from industrial sources for storage or beneficial use.  This first phase included $21.6 million in ARRA funding and $22.5 million in private funding for a total investment of $44.1 million.  The remaining ARRA funding will be awarded to the most promising projects during a competitive phase two selection process.

Projects are subject to further competitive evaluation in 2010.  Projects that best demonstrate the ability to address their mission needs will be in the final portfolio that will receive additional funding for design, construction and operation.

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