The View From HETI

Houston positioned to lead in Carbon Capture Utilization (CCU), study shows

Jane Stricker reflects on four years at HETI. Courtesy photo

With global demand for energy production while lowering emissions continues to grow, Houston and the Gulf Coast region are uniquely positioned to lead with carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS). A new study developed by the Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI) in collaboration with Deloitte Consulting explores how the region can transform captured CO₂ into valuable products while supporting continued economic growth and industrial competitiveness.

Key takeaways from the report include:

Houston and the Gulf Coast are uniquely advantaged to utilize and store carbon.As a global hub for chemicals and refining industries, Houston has access to world-class infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and access to global markets. The region also has one of the nation’s highest concentrations of industrial CO2 and creates the opportunity to capture waste material streams to deliver lower carbon intensity products that continue to deliver economic benefits to the region.

While carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects continue to advance, CCU requires coordinated action across policy, infrastructure, technology and market demand to scale successfully. Utilization and sequestration are complementary strategies that support and protect investment deployments. CCS acts as an early foundation while markets and infrastructure evolve toward broader CO₂ utilization, and CCU is essential to developing low-carbon-intensity value chains and products.

“Our collaboration with Deloitte highlights how Houston and the Gulf Coast continue to build on the strengths that have long made our region an energy leader. Houston’s infrastructure, workforce, and industrial ecosystem uniquely position the region to scale CCU,” said Jane Stricker, Senior Vice President, Energy Transition, and Executive Director of HETI. “With supportive policy, continued innovation, and strong industry partnerships, we can accelerate CCU deployment, create new low-carbon value chains, and ensure Houston remains at the forefront of the global energy transition.”

Download the full report here.

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This article originally appeared on the Greater Houston Partnership's Houston Energy Transition Initiative blog. HETI exists to support Houston's future as an energy leader. For more information about the Houston Energy Transition Initiative, EnergyCapitalHTX's presenting sponsor, visit htxenergytransition.org.

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A View From HETI

EDP Renewables North America has inked a power purchase agreement with Meta. Photo via Getty Images

Houston-based EDP Renewables North America has signed a long-term power purchase agreement with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for its forthcoming Cypress Knee Solar project.

The 250‑megawatt solar project will be built in Arkansas and is expected to come online by 2028, according to a news release from EDPR. The company says the project will generate approximately $25 million in new revenue for Chicot County once operational.

“Cypress Knee Solar and our broader portfolio of projects with Meta are helping power a reliable, modern U.S. electric grid—the backbone of American innovation and long-term economic growth,” Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDPR NA, said in the release. “These investments strengthen local communities, create durable economic value, and ensure that progress is built on a resilient, sustainable foundation.

This is Meta's third power purchase agreement with EDPR. The tech giant is now contracted to a renewable capacity of 545 megawatts with EDPR. Meta and EDPR also collaborated on the 200-megawatt Brittlebush Solar Park to support Meta's data center in Mesa, Arizona.

“Through our partnership with EDPR, Cypress Knee Solar will bring new generation to the Arkansas grid, creating local jobs and delivering economic benefits to the community. We’re proud to expand our collaboration with EDPR,” Amanda Yang, head of clean and renewable energy at Meta, added in the release.

EDPR operates 61 wind farms, 29 solar parks and four energy storage sites across North America. Its other customers include other tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft.

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