Tenaska’s Longleaf CCS Hub to Bring Economic Benefits to South Alabama
MOBILE, Alabama – September 30, 2024 – The Longleaf CCS Hub, under development by U.S. energy company Tenaska in Mobile County, will provide a significant economic benefit for Mobile and South Alabama. Today, Tenaska shared the results of an economic impact study conducted by the University of South Alabama Center for Business Analytics, Real Estate and Economic Development, which found that the carbon capture and storage (CCS) project will support an estimated 770 jobs and infuse $618.6 million into the regional economy during construction, as well as 18 jobs and $24.7 million annually into the economy once operational.
“These economic benefits and the project itself are a sign of our long-term investment in Mobile County and the State of Alabama,” said Bret Estep, Tenaska vice president, development. “The Longleaf CCS Hub is a flagship project for our company, and we’re really pleased with the support we’ve received locally as we look to support Mobile’s business community and further economic growth in the region.”
As envisioned, the Longleaf CCS Hub will provide an innovative business solution assisting manufacturers, power plants, industrial processors and other industries in South Alabama – and particularly along the Highway 43 corridor – meet emissions regulations and carbon reduction goals. The project will support those existing businesses and others looking to locate in the region in keeping jobs, tax revenue and other socioeconomic benefits in the area.
“Mobile is one of the best places in America to invest and grow a business, and the Longleaf CCS Hub is proof positive of that. It promises to be a major boost to both our existing industrial base and new businesses,” said Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne. “This project shows that we can grow our economy while protecting the environment and meet global challenges with market-driven solutions. We are appreciative of Tenaska’s commitment to our region and look forward to them helping grow our economy for years to come.”
Construction of the Longleaf CCS Hub is expected to span three years. The economic impact study estimated that construction would result in the following benefits (direct, indirect and induced) for the region:
- 770 jobs, with $208 million in employee wages, salaries and benefits
- $618.6 million in economic revenue impact1
- $303.9 million in value-added2 activity
- $69.9 million in tax impact
Once operational, the project is estimated to have an annual impact (direct, indirect and induced) for the region that includes:
- 18 jobs, with $6.2 million in employee wages, salaries and benefits
- $24.7 million in economic revenue impact1
- $9.5 million in value-added2 activity
- $2.1 million in tax impact
The Longleaf CCS Hub will provide the transport and storage, or sequestration, of the captured carbon dioxide (CO2). The project’s customers will be responsible for investing in the capture equipment at their facilities, which will provide additional economic benefits for the region.
Tenaska’s initial development of the Longleaf CCS Hub started in 2022. The project’s Class VI application is under review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Tenaska has solicited interest from a number of emitter customers in the region. Pending all necessary permitting approvals, construction is slated to begin as soon as late 2025, with commercial injection expected a year later. Actual start of construction will be scheduled to synchronize the start of injection with the customers’ readiness to capture CO2.
Longleaf CCS Hub is participating in an award through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), allowing for $17.9 million in funding to support geologic characterization and permitting efforts.
More information is available online at https://longleafccs.com/.
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