Lightbulb Moments Episode 6: Carbon Capture: A Key Element of Decarbonizing Power Generation

Podcast/Vlog Title: Carbon Capture: A Key Element of Decarbonizing Power Generation
Episode Number: S1E6
Guest: Jonathan Wiens
Date Published: June 25, 2025

Episode Summary

This episode follows Jonathan Wiens, CEO of Low Carbon Infrastructure, as he shares his journey from military service to energy innovation, highlighting the complexities and opportunities within carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). He unpacks the technical, geological, and infrastructure challenges of CCS, and its pivotal role in decarbonizing sectors like power, steel, cement, and steam-intensive industries. Jonathan emphasizes the need for cross-sector collaboration, particularly between utilities and hyperscalers, and sheds light on the often-overlooked foundational aspects of the CCS industry. The conversation also highlights the Broadwing project with ADM and Mitsubishi, a groundbreaking initiative in large-scale carbon capture and clean steam generation. Jonathan remains optimistic about the future of CCS, advocating for pragmatic policy, public education, and long-term private-sector investment to scale this critical climate solution.

Key Topics 

Scaling Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS)

• Carbon capture is not new—but scaling it is. While CCS has been used for decades in the midstream sector, today’s innovation lies in integrating it with large-scale power generation and industrial systems.
• Every CCS project is unique. Site-specific factors like emissions profiles, fuel types, water access, and geology require customized solutions—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
• The CCS industry is accelerating. Jonathan Wiens anticipates dozens of operational CCS facilities within the next decade, driven by scalable models and cost reductions.

Geology and Infrastructure: The Backbone of CCS

• • Geology determines feasibility. Effective carbon sequestration depends on porous, connected rock formations—such as those in Illinois and Indiana—while other regions face geological limitations.
  • Infrastructure remains a major hurdle. Pipeline development is slowed by permitting delays, landowner resistance, and public misconceptions, despite a strong safety record and decades of operational precedent.

Workforce Transition: Oil & Gas Expertise Fuels CCS

• • Former oil & gas professionals are key. Their deep knowledge of geology, pipeline systems, and subsurface storage is being repurposed to advance carbon capture technologies.es 

Broadwing: A Blueprint for Industrial Decarbonization

• • Broadwing is a first-of-its-kind CCS project. It integrates carbon capture with clean power and steam generation for ADM’s industrial operations, setting a precedent for future decarbonized industrial hubs.
  • Steam is a tough sector to decarbonize. Broadwing addresses this by co-locating carbon capture and steam generation near industrial users—offering a replicable model for other regions.

  Energy Demand and the Role of Hyperscalers

• • Hyperscalers are shaping CCS demand. Data centers require 24/7 baseload power, and CCS-equipped natural gas plants offer a more cost-effective solution than nuclear or battery-backed renewables.

  Policy and Regulation: Enabling CCS Growth

• • Policy support is critical. Extending the 45Q tax credit is essential to maintaining momentum, alongside faster permitting and clearer regulations for sequestration wells and CO₂ pipelines.

• Guest Speaker

• Jonathan Wiens is the CEO of Low Carbon Infrastructure, where he leads efforts to scale carbon capture and storage technologies across the energy and industrial sectors. Prior to focusing on CCUS and the energy transition, he held executive roles at Drive Petroleum and Whitney Oil & Gas and served in various engineering positions at Hilcorp Energy. A former U.S. Army Military Intelligence Officer with seven years of service, including two combat tours—one with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment—Jonathan brings deep leadership and technical expertise to his work. He holds a B.S. from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an M.E. in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University. 

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• Resources Mentioned in the Video: 

• Jonathan Wiens LinkedIn  
  Warwick Carbon Solutions – Developer of carbon capture projects, including Broadwing. 
  Low Carbon Infrastructure – Bought Warwick; new development company for the project
  Hilcorp Energy – One of the largest privately held oil and gas companies in the U.S.
  Kiewit Corporation – EPC contractor partnering on major infrastructure and energy projects.
  ADM (Archer Daniels Midland) – Agribusiness giant and host of the Broadwing CCS project.
  Kinder Morgan – Pipeline operator with extensive CO₂ transport infrastructure.
  Class VI Wells – U.S. EPA – EPA permitting for CO₂ sequestration. 

• Explore More Insights:  

  Mitsubishi Power and Warwick Carbon Solutions to Jointly Develop Advanced Decarbonization Projects for Power and Industrial Sectors
  Mitsubishi Power Americas Carbon Capture