Springs' Neumann Systems wins $7 million grant to develop CO2 capture tech

Colorado Springs-based Neumann Systems Group, Inc. won a $7.2 million grant from the Department of Energy to develop carbon-capture systems for coal-fired power plants.

Neumann Systems, founded by former Air Force Academy researcher David Neumann, has developed a new way of scrubbing coal plant emissions and has been testing its process at Colorado Springs Utilities’ Drake Power Plant to capture sulfur dioxide.

Neumann Systems was one of four companies chosen for the federal project, which aims to capture 90 percent of the carbon dioxide emitted by coal plants without increasing the cost of electricity production by more than 35 percent. Neumann’s sulfur dioxide scrubbing technology is now being installed on a commercial scale at Drake, while the test equipment at the plant will be used for the carbon dioxide capture program.

“By harnessing the power of science and technology, we can reduce carbon emissions from coal-based power plants,” DOE chief operating officer for fossil energy Chuck McConnell said in a statement. “This investment is part of our commitment to advancing carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies to the point where widespread, affordable deployment can begin in 8 to 10 years.”

Bruce McCormick, Utilities’ chief energy services officer, said Neumann’s technology has proven itself for sulfur dioxide capture and shows great potential for capturing carbon dioxide.

“The sulfur dioxide technology is ready for commercial operations,” McCormick said. “He has the potential for real game-changing technology here in the utility industry.”

In addition to allowing its plant serving as a test bed, Springs Utilities has invested more than $22 million in the Neumann process.

Neumann officials could not be reached for comment on the grant.