As the future of coal as a power source becomes increasingly uncertain, Wyoming is looking to study options for one of the state’s largest industries. The Wyoming Energy Authority issued a Request for Proposals for a detailed analysis of Wyoming coal supply, market demand and the potential to export Wyoming coal abroad. Proposals to conduct the study are due by April 25.
The study aims to preserve Wyoming’s coal industry for long-term sustainability in an evolving energy landscape. Coal-fired power plants are a major contributor to climate change. From an economic perspective, renewable energy and gas-fired power plants also are generally more cost-effective. Coal-fired power plants across the U.S. are reaching the end of their lifespan. Energy analysts have projected that the downward spiral for coal is going to continue.
Wyoming—the nation’s largest coal producer—faces crucial decisions about its signature resource. The study will examine how Wyoming coal can remain viable through 2050 despite increasing regulatory and market pressures.
Key goals include determining capital investment interest in new coal-fired power plants, evaluating new coal leasing requirements for stable supply, assessing infrastructure needs for increased exports, defining regulatory constraints across the coal value chain and identifying timeframes for permitting and construction of export facilities.
The comprehensive eight-phase study will analyze coal resources in the Powder River and Green River basins, including assessments of remaining reserves. Researchers will evaluate currently permitted mine operations and project when existing reserves might be exhausted without new leasing.
The demand analysis will examine states with renewable energy portfolio standards and zero-carbon mandates that currently receive Wyoming coal. This section should also focus on plant closures and potential impacts of carbon capture technologies, assessing timelines for retrofitting existing power plants if carbon capture becomes financially viable.
Export opportunities are another high priority, with researchers tasked with evaluating potential export points along the West Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes and East Coast. The study will assess existing infrastructure capabilities and identify necessary improvements to increase export capacity. The evaluation will extend to international markets, analyzing demand and pricing in Pacific, European, Central and South American and African markets to prioritize the most promising export opportunities.
The Wyoming Energy Authority expects work to begin in May 2025 with completion required by Nov. 30, 2025. Interested contractors must submit detailed technical proposals demonstrating experience in the energy sector, particularly with coal markets and regulatory analysis. The final report will be designed to inform policymakers at both state and federal levels, with reader-friendly summaries and graphics that communicate complex findings clearly.
The full RFP has additional information including how to submit questions regarding the application. Questions are due by April 7.
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Carol M. Highsmith via Wikimedia Commons
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