Clean Coal Technologies, Inc. (CCTI) signed an agreement with a neighboring organization in Gillette, confirming the groups will cooperate down the line. The memorandum of understanding with Energy Capital Economic Development comes as CCTI leaders say the company is nearing commercialization.
CCTI is a technology company that looks to improve the quality of coal by reducing its emissions as it's burned or in transit. The company has been in operation for about 10 years and ran a test plant in Oklahoma before moving to Wyoming. It's now working on its second generation plant in the Equality State.
Energy Capital Economic Development is a non-profit funded primarily by private investors from local industries and companies, with added contributions from Campbell County and the city of Gillette. The group is currently in the design phase for the Wyoming Innovation Center near CCTI's generation plant. The center hopes to eventually welcome energy technology companies.
Robin Eves, CEO of Clean Coal Technologies, Inc., said there are several advantages to the partnership for both parties.
"We can probably produce products for other facilities you're putting up there and you can help us because you're building an infrastructure that we can utilize," he said, adding their presence might be beneficial to the Wyoming Innovation Center.
"Certainly, when you've got a successful technology in place, it will encourage other investment there."
Phil Christopherson, CEO of Energy Capital Economic Development, said the MOU isn't a formal contract, but it does leave the door open for a more defined document down the line.
Eves said he expects to see 30 to 40 people hired in the area in the next few months. He also sees the company entering commercialization as soon as next year.
Have a question about this story? Please contact the reporter, Cooper McKim, at cmckim5@uwyo.edu.