The first-of-its-kind system is integrated into PureField’s wheat processing and vital wheat gluten manufacturing operations. It captures and stores CO2 generated during fermentation. The company worked closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to secure a permit to store 150,000 metric tons of carbon a year several miles underground for 12 years. That’s the equivalent of emissions from 32,000 vehicles per year, or 1.8 million tons of CO2 over the lifetime of the permit. To ensure long-term safety, the facility will conduct rigorous monitoring throughout the injection period and for 50 years afterward.
“Earlier this year, EPA Region Seven issued the first underground storage injection control Class Six well permit in our region,” said Jim Macy, EPA Region Seven administrator. “That’s a great milestone for all the Heartland states in this region, for EPA and for the nation.”
State and federal policymakers were on hand to recognize the accomplishment and its impact on the future of Kansas.
“This new facility will strengthen domestic production, help American energy compete around the world and support continued investment in rural Kansas,” said US Rep. Tracey Mann. “Projects like this show what is possible when innovation, investment and hardworking rural communities come together.”
Buettner said the investment will create stronger demand for crops, expand the value-add markets PureField can serve, and ultimately, help farmers economically.
“It’s going to connect our grower farmers with food and energy consumers across the country,” he said. “It opens access to fast-growing markets for low-carbon renewable fuels, both in the US and abroad. It makes this facility more competitive and creates a stronger foundation for additional investment and growth here in Russell.”
During the ceremony, Buettner announced PureField is already moving on to its next project, with plans to double ethanol production capacity at the site.
Watch this TechTalk to learn more about PureField’s carbon capture and sequestration program and capabilities.
