Graduate students and early career professionals can gain hands-on field research experience in areas related to carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) by participating in the Research Experience in Carbon Sequestration (RECS) program.


The initiative, supported by Department’s Office of Fossil Energy (FE), the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), and the CCUS Research Coordination Network is currently accepting applications for RECS 2015, scheduled for June 7-16, in Birmingham, AL. The deadline to apply is May 1.


An intensive science and field-based program, RECS 2015 will combine classroom instruction with group exercises and 10 different site, field and laboratory activities. Topics cover the range of CCUS deployment issues with a particular focus on carbon dioxide (CO2) enhanced oil recovery / carbon storage. Participants will gain hands-on experience designing a carbon storage pilot project, modeling CO2 injection and subsurface fluid flow and analyzing capture technologies. RECS faculty is comprised of globally recognized scientists and industry leaders.


Founded in 2004, RECS was the first program to offer an intensive program on CCUS systems to young scientists and engineers, and it has become the premier summer research experience for students and young professionals interested in this area.


Applicants should be early career professionals, Ph.D. or masters students with backgrounds in geology, chemistry, hydrology, physics, engineering, climate science and related fields. Enrollment is limited to 30 and applicants are welcome from throughout the U.S. and internationally.


RECS is tuition-free and the program covers all housing and most meal costs. In addition, a travel allowance may be provided.  Application instructions are found on the RECS web site.


CCUS is a combination of technologies for capturing, compressing, transporting, and using and permanently storing CO2 emissions from large, stationary fossil energy facilities. Many experts view it as a promising component of a wider "portfolio" strategy (including increased efficiencies, greater use of nuclear and renewable energy, and other approaches) for achieving significant reductions in atmospheric CO2 emissions.