Columbus launches world's largest bioethanol carbon capture facility

COLUMBUS, Neb. — The Corn Processing Complex in Columbus has officially inaugurated the world's largest bioethanol carbon capture facility, marking a significant milestone in sustainable energy initiatives. This achievement is made possible through a groundbreaking partnership with Tallgrass trailblazer pipelines.

ADM, a leading agricultural supply chain based in Columbus, has joined forces with the Tallgrass Trailblazer pipeline to accomplish a feat previously unattained by corn processing complexes: the annual transportation of millions of tons of CO2.

According to ADM plant manager Todd Good, the collaboration with Tallgrass is crucial due to their respectful engagement with landowners, ensuring community support for the project's pipeline construction.

The process involves ADM extracting starch from corn, which is then converted into dextrose, a simple sugar. This sugar undergoes fermentation, where yeast consumes it to produce ethanol. During this fermentation, biogenic carbon dioxide is released by the yeast, similar to human respiration. "That is the CO2 that we're capturing and sequestering underground through Tallgrass’s pipeline," Good explained.

The launch event was attended by prominent figures, including Governor Jim Pillen, Columbus Mayor Jim Bulkley, and U.S. Congressman Mike Flood, who highlighted the substantial economic benefits this project will bring to Nebraska.

Congressman Flood noted that farmers would see improved compensation and growth in the bioeconomy, expressing gratitude for Tallgrass's successful pipeline construction, a feat that other states have struggled to achieve. ADM officials stated that the project utilizes Tallgrass’s Trailblazer pipeline to transport captured carbon dioxide (CO2) from ADM’s ethanol plant in Columbus to Tallgrass Eastern Wyoming Sequestration Hub for safe, permanent storage deep underground.