From Seven to Four: The Evolution of Regional Initiatives

In 2003, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) initiated the formation of the Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships (RCSPs), aiming to establish a nationwide network consisting of seven regional partnerships. Their primary goal was to explore and determine optimal strategies for capturing and securely storing carbon dioxide. Each RCSP undertook the responsibility of identifying suitable technologies, regulations, and infrastructure required for effective carbon capture, transport, and storage within their respective regions. As the journey of the RCSPs progressed, a transformative change occurred, resulting in the consolidation of these partnerships. From the original seven, the RCSPs merged and combined their expertise, knowledge, and resources, culminating in the formation of four regional initiatives. This strategic integration aimed to maximize efficiency and collective impact while addressing the evolving demands and challenges associated with carbon capture, utilization, and storage. Through this consolidation, the RCSPs transitioned into a more streamlined and collaborative approach, enabling the newly formed regional initiatives to leverage the collective wisdom and experiences gained from the original seven partnerships. This evolution signifies a shared commitment towards a more effective and coordinated approach to accelerate advancements in carbon capture, utilization, and storage on a wider scale.