By Scout Nelson
Gevo, a Colorado-based clean energy company, is planning a sustainable aviation fuel plant at its newly acquired ethanol facility in Richardton, North Dakota. The move comes as demand for jet fuel rises while gasoline usage declines.
Company president Chris Ryan shared this update at the Midwest Agriculture Summit in Fargo. He estimated the project could cost around $500 million and is still a few years away.
Gevo purchased the Red Trail Energy ethanol plant last year. This plant is notable for being the first in the U.S. to use carbon sequestration, capturing carbon dioxide from corn fermentation and storing it underground. This process helps reduce the plant’s carbon score, making it ideal for producing low-carbon jet fuel.
“We could make gasoline, but it’s a diminishing market,” said Ryan. “So jet fuel is a kind of sexy thing to talk about these days.”
There is also potential for expanding the ethanol facility. Ryan mentioned adding wind turbines to further reduce the site’s carbon intensity. He believes wind energy makes financial sense despite possible policy changes.
Gevo also has a similar jet fuel project planned for Lake Preston, South Dakota. That site depends on the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline project, which is currently delayed. These delays led Gevo to buy Red Trail, which already supports underground carbon storage.
The company may also sell captured carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery, a process promoted by North Dakota leaders to increase oil production.
“People in North Dakota get that, they understand the value of that,” said Ryan.
Gevo sees North Dakota as a key player in advancing sustainable aviation fuel and clean energy.
Photo Credit: shutterstock-dickgage
Categories: North Dakota, Energy