Study: Carbon Capture Costs Drop

Monday, July 8, 2019 at 6:45 PM

The S&L findings, which were made public June 27, 2019 at a United States Energy Association briefing, estimate the cost of CO2 capture to range from $39 to $43 per metric ton, a significant decrease from the last major carbon capture retrofit at the Petra Nova facility in Texas. Given these cost estimates, the $1.3 billion cost to retrofit SJGS can be financed entirely with newly revamped Internal Revenue Code Section 45Q tax credits and will not burden SJGS with additional operating costs.

From Enchant Energy:

July 8, 2019

Enchant Energy Corporation (“Enchant Energy”) announces the publication of a Sargent & Lundy (“S&L”) engineering report on the feasibility of a
carbon capture retrofit project at San Juan Generating Station (“SJGS”) in New Mexico. The full report can be downloaded from the Enchant Energy website at https://www.enchantenergy.com/.

Subject to the approval of the City of Farmington (“Farmington”), Enchant Energy will acquire a 95% ownership interest in the 847 megawatt SJGS to coincide with the planned retirement and abandonment of the facility by its current owners, other than Farmington, on July 1, 2022. “The results of this study are a significant milestone towards successful implementation of our project and the numerous positive benefits that we envision will follow,” said Jason Selch, Enchant Energy CEO. “This project will demonstrate that it is possible to comply with stringent CO2
emissions standards for electricity generation using carbon capture utilization and storage technology while providing high-paying jobs and maintaining state and local taxes that are so vital to the northwest region of New Mexico.”

The S&L findings, which were made public June 27, 2019 at a United States Energy Association briefing, estimate the cost of CO2 capture to range from $39 to $43 per metric ton, a significant decrease from the last major carbon capture retrofit at the Petra Nova facility in Texas. Given these
cost estimates, the $1.3 billion cost to retrofit SJGS can be financed entirely with newly revamped Internal Revenue Code Section 45Q tax credits and will not burden SJGS with additional operating costs.

The report finds that the carbon capture retrofit would result in a 90% decrease in CO2 emissions at SJGS, a figure compliant with the recently enacted New Mexico Energy Transition Act’s CO2 emission standard. As a result, SJGS would be able to operate economically beyond June 30, 2022, saving over 400 jobs, while continuing to produce highly reliable, low-priced, low-emissions and low-carbon baseload power at no additional cost to consumers.

Read the Report here:

More from Local News

San Juan Co. to NM: Find Out Why Local Gas Prices Are High

The New Mexico Department of Justice has investigated fuel prices in San Juan County under prior Attorneys General. Investigations were inconclusive, but there was relief at the pump for a brief period. “We just want to be assured that San Juan County is paying what’s fair at the pump,” said Commissioner Lanier. “With limited competition between brands, it is worth checking out.”
Suspect Sought in July 4th Fatal Shooting

Deputies responded to reports of a shooting and located 18-year-old Elihue Vialpando, who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. A second victim, Jack Chavez, suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center for treatment. Witness statements revealed Vialpando brandished a pistol and fired rounds earlier in the night, but based on the timeline of events and witness statements, did not support actions by Thomas Vigil.
Authorities Search for DWI Treatment Center Escapee

The suspect escaped during Sunday afternoon church services. He asked to go to the bathroom and never returned, immediately initiating a count and search of the facility. This is the first escape in the 31-year history of the jail-based treatment center.
Farmington Man Sentenced on Child Porn Conviction

Earlier this week, Jacob Marriott was sentenced after pleading guilty to 4 counts of Manufacturing of Child Pornography (2nd Degree Felony), 1 count of Possession of Child Pornography (4th Degree Felony), and 2 counts of Voyeurism of a Child Under 18 (3rd Degree Felony).
Colorado Business Expands in Farmington

NM-backed expansion expected to generate more than $22 million economic impact
2026 NM Primary Local (Unofficial) Results

We'll be updating this page with results throughout the evening on Tuesday, June 2, 2026: These are the unofficial results of the contested NM Primary races in San Juan County on June 2, 2026: