Department of Energy awards initial funding to Project Tundra

Project Tundra took a positive step forward in September when the U.S. Department of Energy announced an award of $4.2 million. This is the first installment of up to $350 million made available to the project in late 2023.

“We’re grateful for the collaborative partnership that’s been developed with the Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations,” said Mac McLennan, Minnkota president and CEO. “Together, we’re excited to kick off Phase 1 of Project Tundra funding, which is particularly important as it includes reaching out to communities and key stakeholders, ensuring that their voices and needs are integrated into our plans from the start. Building strong relationships and fostering collaboration is essential to the success of Project Tundra, and we’re eager to leverage this opportunity to demonstrate the transformative impact carbon capture technology can have on the future of energy development.”

The funding will help launch Phase 1 under the DOE program, which includes permitting, community engagement and other development and management activities. Upon completion of Phase 1, Project Tundra will have the opportunity to negotiate for the remaining funds in the original $350 million award.

Completing this agreement and moving into Phase 1 with DOE marks a positive step forward for Project Tundra and positions the project to access the remaining funds, which are critical to the overall project financing needs.

Landowner meeting held in August

Community engagement is nothing new for the Tundra team. On Aug. 22, more than 50 Project Tundra landowners gathered to receive progress updates on the carbon capture and storage initiative being pursued in their region. The meeting, which has been held at least annually in Center, North Dakota, provided an invaluable opportunity for project leaders to answer landowner questions and engage in face-to-face communication.

Landowners were updated on Environmental Protection Agency rules and how project leaders are navigating inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, all of which are impacting large infrastructure projects around the world.

Project leaders remain optimistic about Project Tundra and will continue to work toward a final decision, understanding that external factors may dictate decision-making timelines.

MAIN IMAGE: More than 50 Project Tundra landowners were welcomed to an educational meeting by Craig Bleth, Minnkota vice president of project development. (Minnkota)