OMAHA, NE — Green Plains, a leading biofuel and ingredients producer, has officially started construction on its new compression infrastructure for a major carbon capture and storage project in Nebraska. This development marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing shift towards producing low-carbon biofuels and high-value ingredients, aligning with its commitment to environmental sustainability.

The compression system being built is designed to permanently store approximately 800,000 tons of biogenic CO2 annually. This carbon capture will come from Green Plains’ three facilities located in Central City, Wood River, and York, Nebraska. The project is on track for completion and operational launch in the latter half of 2025.

A Strategic Milestone in Sustainability

“Breaking ground at our sites for this project is another milestone in executing our ongoing ‘Advantage Nebraska’ strategy,” said Chris Osowski, Executive Vice President of Operations and Technology at Green Plains. He added, “With construction of the laterals for the Trailblazer CCS project underway and now with compression equipment beginning to be installed, we are positioned to be an early mover in sequestering biogenic CO2, unlocking significant value for our shareholders.”

Green Plains’ Advantage Nebraska strategy focuses on leveraging the state’s resources to accelerate the company’s transition toward low-carbon technologies and high-value, sustainable biofuels. The carbon capture project is seen as a key part of this strategy, enabling Green Plains to not only reduce its carbon footprint but also lead the way in carbon sequestration within the biofuels industry.

Temporary Halt at Clean Sugar Technology Plant

In addition to the carbon capture progress, Green Plains has announced a temporary suspension of operations at its Clean Sugar Technology (CST™) plant in Shenandoah, Iowa. The company stated that the halt would allow for further refinement of its product offerings to enhance financial returns.

Green Plains’ CST™ technology has already demonstrated success in producing high-purity dextrose with a reduced carbon footprint. While the company temporarily halts operations at this plant, it remains confident in the commercial viability of the technology. This suspension provides an opportunity for the company to optimize its dextrose production process and enhance the technology’s scalability, while still maintaining strong commercial interest.

“We believe this temporary suspension of operations will allow us to refine our CST™ technology, which has already shown significant promise. We remain committed to improving the process and ensuring it delivers maximum value to our customers and shareholders,” said a Green Plains spokesperson.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Low-Carbon Biofuels

Green Plains is positioning itself as a key player in the transition to sustainable, low-carbon biofuels. As the company moves forward with its carbon capture and storage project, it is expected to set new industry standards for environmental responsibility while maintaining a profitable business model. This project, along with the ongoing development of CST™ technology, places Green Plains at the forefront of the biofuels industry’s push toward greater sustainability and carbon neutrality.

With an estimated 800,000 tons of CO2 to be sequestered annually and growing commercial interest in its technologies, Green Plains is solidifying its position as a leader in the biofuels sector committed to environmental stewardship and innovation.

Green Plains' Future Plans

As the company continues its carbon capture and storage projects in Nebraska and refines its product offerings, Green Plains is also evaluating further investments in renewable technologies and sustainable processes. These efforts reflect the company's broader vision for a greener future, creating a more sustainable biofuels industry while benefiting local communities and advancing global carbon reduction goals. The successful completion of the carbon capture system and other ongoing initiatives will help further drive Green Plains' reputation as a forward-thinking leader in low-carbon solutions.

Originally reported by Violet George in Carbon Herald.