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This report describes the role of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) as one of three primary technological categories for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector, specifically within the United States.

Thermal batteries store renewable electricity as high-temperature heat in abundant materials like graphite or bricks, providing a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels for industrial processes requiring temperatures over 1,000°C. The technology supports grid stability by reducing renewable curtailment and offers a lower-risk alternative to hydrogen for industrial decarbonization. While facing challenges in wholesale electricity market access and infrastructure integration, the sector saw investment spike to over $350 million in 2024.

Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) use the constant temperature of the earth to provide efficient heating and cooling with zero direct emissions. While installation costs are higher than fossil fuel alternatives, the Inflation Reduction Act provides tax credits and rebates that can reduce these costs by up to 50%. In the U.S. Midwest, GHPs can reduce emissions by 85-90% compared to gas or propane furnaces and use approximately 80% less energy annually. The document highlights 'networked geothermal' systems for campuses and neighborhoods as a way to achieve over 500% efficiency and lower individual costs through economies of scale.

Heat pumps are all-electric appliances that move heat rather than generating it, allowing them to provide both heating and cooling with high efficiency. They are available as air-source or ground-source systems and can be ducted or ductless. While upfront costs can be a barrier, they offer long-term savings over gas or electric resistance furnaces and eliminate indoor fossil fuel combustion risks. Recent technological advances have made them viable in cold climates, and they are increasingly integrated into climate action plans to improve energy security and public health.

Fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen, offering a high-efficiency, low-emission alternative to combustion engines and batteries. While they excel in reliability, scalability, and energy density, widespread adoption is hindered by high costs—particularly the need for platinum in PEM cells—and the lack of hydrogen fueling infrastructure. Applications range from portable electronics and stationary power (including combined heat and power systems) to transportation. In the U.S., the Department of Energy and various state-level policies, such as Renewable Portfolio Standards and tax credits, are working to reduce system costs and expand infrastructure to make fuel cells more competitive with gasoline-powered vehicles.

The document outlines a method for capturing methane emissions from the seal oil degassing process in centrifugal compressors. By installing high-pressure separators and demisters, operators can recover up to 99% of entrained gas for use as fuel or for reinjection into the system. The analysis indicates that these systems are a cost-effective alternative to retrofitting compressors with dry seals, offering rapid payback periods and significant reductions in atmospheric venting.

The document examines various energy storage technologies, ranging from established systems like pumped hydro and compressed air energy storage (CAES) to emerging solutions like flow batteries and flywheels. It highlights the critical role of U.S. federal initiatives, specifically Department of Energy (DOE) grants and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) orders, in reducing financial risks and reforming market access to encourage utility-scale implementation. The brief also details specific U.S. projects and proposed legislation, such as the STORAGE Act, aimed at incentivizing storage to support grid stability and the integration of variable renewable energy.

The document examines various energy storage technologies, from established methods like pumped hydro to emerging battery and flywheel systems, highlighting their role in integrating renewable energy and stabilizing the grid. It details the impact of FERC Orders 1000 and 755 and DOE initiatives, such as the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), in reducing technical and economic hurdles. Additionally, it profiles several large-scale U.S. projects and discusses proposed legislation, including the STORAGE Act, aimed at incentivizing storage deployment through tax credits.

Concentrating solar power (CSP) uses mirrors to focus sunlight to generate electricity, offering the lowest cost among solar technologies at $0.09 to $0.12 per kWh for plants over 10 MW. The document details three primary technologies: trough systems, power tower systems, and dish systems, noting that trough and tower systems can store heat for use after dark. While the US has significant potential—specifically in the Southwest—high capital costs and the requirement for direct sunlight remain primary challenges. The US Department of Energy projects costs could drop to $0.04 to $0.05 per kWh in the coming decades.

Solar water heating (SWH) systems provide a cost-effective way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for heating water, which accounts for up to 14 percent of average US household energy use. These systems, which range from $2,000 to $5,000 for residential use, can meet 50 to 80 percent of a typical household's hot water needs, and up to 100 percent in climates like Hawaii. The guide details various system types—including flat panel collectors and direct, indirect, and drain-back systems—tailored to different climatic conditions. It also highlights the efficiency of solar pool heating and the role of utility incentives and policy support in increasing adoption.