WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) will build one of the first-ever NSF Regional Innovation Engines in partnership with Louisiana State University (LSU). The Louisiana Energy Engine will support carbon capture projects and enable research into the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel, carbon dioxide as a feedstock, and sustainable water.
“Louisiana is leading the way in carbon capture, making this an investment in Louisiana but also the future of the United States,” said Dr. Cassidy. “America produces energy and manufactures products cleaner than anywhere else. We need to reward that. Doing so will lead to more jobs and better opportunities.”
Launched in May 2022, the NSF Engines program harnesses the nation’s science and technology research and development enterprise and regional-level resources. The Louisiana Innovation Engine will initially receive up to $15 million for two years. NSF’s initial $150 million investment in 10 regions is being matched nearly two to one in commitments from state and local governments, other federal agencies, philanthropy, and private industry.
Projects that demonstrate progress toward well-defined goals could receive up to $160 million each from NSF over 10 years. The funding comes from the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which Cassidy supported.
Background
Cassidy has championed carbon capture advancements in Louisiana, including a successful two-year push for the EPA to allow Louisiana to permit and invest in carbon storage wells.
Since his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was signed into law, Cassidy has announced nearly $650 million for carbon capture projects in Louisiana, including $600 million to develop a Direct Air Capture hub in Southwest Louisiana. Once completed, it will capture more than one million tons of CO2 from the atmosphere annually, and sequester it underground. Another three projects to store carbon, totaling over $60 million in investment, and two demonstration projects were announced last year.
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