REPORT | Evaluating Net-Zero Industrial Hubs In the United States: A Case Study of Houston

HOUSTON (June 30, 2021)—As Congress deliberates a major infrastructure bill, the Center for Global Energy Policy at Columbia University has issued a key report on "net-zero industrial hubs" and how they can meet the twin goals of advancing energy infrastructure and reducing emissions to address climate change.

The report, "Evaluating Net-Zero Industrial Hubs in the United States: A Case Study of Houston," will be discussed Wednesday, June 30 from 9:00-10:00 am Central—Day Two of the three-day Future of Global Energy conference hosted by the Greater Houston Partnership and Center for Houston's Future, which will take a deep diver into Houston's potential to lead a low-carbon future. 

CLICK HERE to read, "Evaluating Net-Zero Industrial Hubs in the United States: A Case Study of Houston."

One of the report's authors, Dr. Julio Friedman, a carbon capture expert, will share findings and recommendations on what a Houston low-carbon industrial hub would look like and how to potentially leverage federal investments to make it happen.

A panel discussion will follow, moderated by Bobby Tudor, chair of the Partnership's Houston Energy Transition Initiative. Panelists to include 

-Dr. Bryony Livesey, Director, UK Industrial Decarbonization Challenge

-Guy Powell, Vice President, Planning & Business Development, ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions

-Dr. Jennifer Wilcox, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, U.S. Department of Energy

A net-zero industrial hub is a concentrated set of facilities, plants, and linked infrastructure dedicated to the near-term reduction and long-term elimination of greenhouse gas emissions through the application of advanced clean energy and emissions control technology and possibly CO2 removal technology.

Government policies can vault the US into a leadership role and maintain its competitiveness in the growing field of energy transition. At a cost of $1.5-2.5 billion per hub, building six hubs would fall perfectly in line with granting programs that are part of the infrastructure bill. 

Net-zero hubs in key locations, especially ports with large cargo and industrial production, can provide regions and nations with a differentiated competitive edge in a carbon-constrained world. The report suggests Houston as a prime example where this could take off.

The report is funded by the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation.

CLICK HERE to read, "Evaluating Net-Zero Industrial Hubs in the United States: A Case Study of Houston."

For additional information, contact Brett Holmes at brett@brettholmes.com or (713) 244-4178.

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