Norway's Equinor has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ohio-based Battelle, a science and technology firm, to develop a low-carbon industrial region in the US Appalachian basin.

Focused in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, the two companies will collaborate on carbon capture and storage opportunities in the region.

“The Appalachian basin is an important energy-producing region that also shows great promise in being a leader for the decarbonisation of American industry,” said Chris Golden, Equinor US country manager.

“Our regional hub vision will meet tomorrow’s energy demands while maintaining America’s industrial competitiveness within a net-zero scenario.”

Equinor has already stepped into Appalachia with an MoU with US Steel to explore hydrogen production and carbon capture opportunities in the area.

Battelle has more than 100 projects in carbon capture around the world and is the largest independent research and development company.

The agreement initially has Equinor and Battelle conduct feasibility studies and collaborate on stakeholder outreach.

Equinor has been active in the development and production of onshore oil and gas in the US since 2009.

The company's onshore portfolio is focused on producing natural gas and natural gas liquids from the Marcellus and Utica formations in the Appalachian basins.

Equinor's website states US onshore production at 260,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

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