• $6 million given to Dry Spruce Operating for helium and carbon sequestration.
The Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA) announced on November 5 that Governor Mark Gordon has approved funding for three energy projects to enhance the state’s energy sector.
Among the recipients, Blue Spruce Operating received $6 million for its Dry Piney Helium & Carbon Sequestration Project, located on the LaBarge Anticline, just North of Kemmerer. This initiative seeks to bolster Wyoming’s helium production and improve carbon sequestration capabilities in one of the largest conventional geologic structures in the state. The project aims to produce over 800 million cubic feet of helium annually—accounting for more than 10% of the global market—and to permanently sequester 4.5 million metric tons of CO2 each year, significantly advancing both energy production and environmental sustainability.
Airloom Energy was awarded $5 million to develop a modular, scalable wind energy device, which promises to provide a lower-cost, more efficient alternative to traditional wind turbines. This innovative technology aims to capture Wyoming’s abundant wind resources while minimizing environmental impacts.
Prabhu Energy Labs received $456,450 for a methane mitigation demonstration project in collaboration with Jonah Energy and the University of Wyoming’s Center for Air Quality. This project will showcase a new technology designed to capture methane emissions from natural gas production, thereby reducing the overall greenhouse gas footprint of the industry.
Governor Gordon emphasized the importance of these projects, stating they reflect Wyoming’s commitment to an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, creating new jobs and attracting investment. Robert Ferguson, Co-Founder of Blue Spruce Operating, expressed enthusiasm for expanding Wyoming’s role in both carbon sequestration and helium production, highlighting the potential for innovative technologies in managing carbon emissions.
These initiatives mark a significant step towards diversifying Wyoming’s energy portfolio and addressing critical environmental challenges.