This panel will explore innovative advancements in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) by highlighting cutting-edge materials and engineering solutions. The discussion will cover the development and application of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and functionalized silicas for more efficient and scalable carbon capture, as well as the implementation of pilot-scale refinery carbon capture systems. Additionally, the panel will demonstrate how model-based engineering solutions are optimizing CCUS facility performance, improving system efficiency, and reducing costs. This comprehensive discussion will provide insights into how both materials and system-level engineering can accelerate the deployment of CCUS technologies and drive decarbonization efforts across various industries.

• Padmini Lingaraju, New Business Development Sr. Manager, Ecovyst
  Functionalized Advanced Silicas for Efficient and Scalable Carbon Capture
• Meera Mahadevan, Technical Account Manager, Siemens
  Accelerating CCUS Deployment Using Model-Based Engineering Solutions

Effective site selection and thorough characterization are critical to the success of any carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. This panel will begin by outlining key factors in site screening—including geological, technical, and regulatory considerations—to reduce risks and ensure long-term viability. Speakers will then share firsthand lessons from drilling and analyzing characterization wells, highlighting how site-specific data informs project design and expedites permitting. The session will conclude with operational insights into CO2 compression, monitoring, and transport, illustrating how early decisions impact the entire CCS value chain.

• Muhammad Zulqarnain, Senior Consultant, ARI (Advanced Resources International)
  Site Selection: What Not to Overlook
• Manoj Valluri, Project Manager, ARI (Advanced Resources International)
  Characterization Wells for CCS - Recent Experiences and Lessons Learnt on Project Development
• John Oyen, Director of Business Development, ABB, Inc.
  CCS360 Operational Excellence for the Transport and Sequestering of CO2
• Bobby Bailie, Sales Manager, Siemens Energy
  Compression Considerations for CO2 Applications

Understanding the complexities of CO2 sequestration requires a careful balance of innovation, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Panelists will share insights into the challenges of plume migration and pressure modeling, along with the latest technologies for monitoring well integrity. The discussion will close highlighting the importance of robust testing and monitoring plans for meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring the long-term success of CCS projects.

• Joe Mello, Vice President, Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc.
  Causes and Consequences of Unexpected Plume Migration: A South Texas Case Study
• Charles Hostetler, Senior Project Advisor, SCS Engineers
  Class VI Critical Pressure Calculations: Equilibrium versus Kinetic Methodologies
• Scott Kohl, Chief Technology Officer, Visionary Fiber Technologies
  Immobilized Enzyme Application for Carbon Sequestration
• Jim Cron, Geostock Sandia, LLC
  Perforating Strategies for CCUS Wells Utilizing External Fiber Optic Installations

Speakers on this panel will provide in-depth insights into the regulatory and compliance challenges involved in carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. Panelists will discuss critical legal hurdles, safety regulations for CO2 pipelines, and the requirements for obtaining necessary permits, including the testing and monitoring plans that ensure compliance. Through these discussions, the session will equip developers and stakeholders with practical knowledge on overcoming barriers and ensuring the successful execution of CCS projects within the regulatory framework.

• Dave L Elam, Vice President, TRC Environmental Corp.
  Carbon Dioxide Pipeline Safety: Communicating the Good News and Recent Regulatory Developments
• Tim Eggeman, Chief Technology Officer, New Phase Energy
  Testing and Monitoring Plan Requirements for CCS Project Permits
• Hannes Zetzsche, Attorney, Baird Holm LLP
  Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles for Carbon Capture and Storage

This panel will delve into the latest advancements in carbon capture, utilization, and storage, focusing on dynamic modeling for CO2 sequestration, cutting-edge CO2 conversion technologies, and practical applications in bioethanol production. Presenters will showcase real-world case studies, discuss techno-economic analyses, and explore innovative approaches that drive efficiency, reduce costs, and generate new revenue streams. The session will offer practical insights and strategies for attendees to leverage CO2 as a valuable resource in both environmental and economic terms.

• Stephen Norris, Ph.D., P.E., Reservoir Engineer, Vault 44.01 LLC
  Practical Aspects of CCS Subsurface Dynamic Modeling
• Kurt Dieker, Chief Development Officer and Co-Founder, HYCO1
  Carbon Utilization Technology Options
• Santu Mandal, Co-founder & CEO, Carbon Utilized Inc.
  Turning Waste CO2 into Ethanol: A Techno-Economic Breakthrough to Boost Efficiency, Increase Revenue, and Reduce Production Costs
• Jeff Bonar, CEO, CapCO2 Solutions
  Ethanol Producers are Sitting on A Gold Mine – Using Your CO2 to Make Green Methanol

Advancing carbon capture at biofuel facilities requires navigating complex regulatory, technical, and financial landscapes. Experts on this panel will outline how the voluntary carbon market can unlock project potential and provide guidance on evaluating pre- and post-combustion technologies in a rapidly evolving vendor landscape.

• David LaGreca, Director of Voluntary Carbon Markets, EcoEngineers
  How-to Guide for BECCS: Carbon Capture and the Market for Carbon Dioxide Removal
• Stephen Scott, Managing Consultant, GreenStar BCS
  Navigating the Carbon Capture Maze: Streamlining the Selection Puzzle

This session highlights the intersection of technology, market strategies, and regulatory pathways for decarbonizing ethanol production. Industry leaders will discuss how to navigate the voluntary carbon market, innovative carbon capture technologies like corn stover carbon casting, and regional expansion of CCS infrastructure in ethanol-rich areas. The discussion will focus on both the technical and economic opportunities that are driving the transition towards net-zero ethanol.

• Jamie Mackinnon, SVP Carbon Origination, Anew Climate
  Ethanol CCS: A guide to Navigating the Voluntary Carbon Market
• Hannah Murnen, CTO, Graphyte
  Thinking Beyond the Starch: How Carbon Casting Unlocks New Carbon Intensity Reductions for Ethanol
• Michael Hillix, Principal Geoscientist & Energy Advisor, University of North Dakota-EERC
  From Capture to Expansion: Advancing Ethanol-Driven CCS in North Dakota

A comprehensive overview of the financial landscape for carbon capture projects will be provided, focusing on how to navigate tax credit opportunities while managing associated risks. Experts will outline strategies for minimizing compliance pitfalls in IRA tax credit transactions, explore the specifics of 45Z credits, and highlight key lessons from 2024 that can help maximize the value of tax credits in 2025. Practical knowledge will be shared on leveraging financial incentives, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing the profitability of carbon capture projects through strategic tax credit management.

• Alan Cordova, VP Strategy & Partnerships, Empact Technologies
  Creating Value by De-Risking IRA Tax Credit Transactions
• Rebecca Johnson, Tax & Research Manager, Christianson PLLP
  45Z: The Hot Topic
• Dawn Lima, VP - Renewable Energy & Sustainable Technologies, Foss & Company
  A Lookback on 2024 - Monetizing New Tax Credits

As the demand for sustainable fuels grows, carbon utilization is emerging as a critical link between emitters and end markets. This discussion will follow the CO2 molecule from ethanol production through capture, transport, and conversion into eFuels—exploring commercial applications, infrastructure requirements, and regulatory frameworks shaping the future of eSAF and other low-carbon products.

• Andrew Miller, Vice President of Projects, Infinium
  
• Ben Nelson, Vice President, Carbon, Summit Carbon Solutions
  
• Tyler Cole, Director of Climate Solutions, TES
  
• Pecco Beaufays, Director, CO2 Product Management, Linde
  
• Corey Stewart, Senior Associate, RMI