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Carbon Capture

What is Carbon Capture?

Carbon capture is a process that separates carbon dioxide (CO₂) from emissions produced by industrial facilities, including ethanol plants. Once captured, the CO₂ can be put to beneficial use or permanently stored deep underground.

During ethanol production, CO₂ is naturally produced as part of the fermentation process. Carbon capture technology allows ethanol plants to capture this CO₂ rather than release it into the atmosphere. For permanent storage, the captured CO₂ is injected into suitable rock formations deep underground, where it is contained beneath layers of impermeable rock.

North Dakota is already putting this technology to work. Commercial carbon capture and storage projects are operating at the Blue Flint ethanol plant near Underwood and at the ethanol plant in Richardton. These projects capture CO₂ produced during ethanol production and permanently store it underground, helping reduce the carbon intensity of North Dakota ethanol.

Benefits of Carbon Capture

  • Reduces Ethanol's Carbon Intensity

    Capturing and permanently storing CO₂ from ethanol production can significantly lower the carbon intensity of the finished fuel and strengthen opportunities in markets that value lower-carbon fuels.

  • Captures CO₂ Right at the Source

    Because CO₂ is naturally produced during ethanol fermentation, ethanol plants provide an opportunity to capture a concentrated stream of carbon dioxide before it enters the atmosphere.

  • Puts North Dakota Geology to Work

    North Dakota has deep underground rock formations suitable for permanent CO₂ storage. These formations are carefully studied to determine their ability to safely contain captured carbon dioxide.

  • Already Working in North Dakota

    Carbon capture is more than a future technology for the state. Projects at Blue Flint near Underwood and the ethanol plant in Richardton are already demonstrating how carbon capture and permanent storage can be integrated with ethanol production.

  • Creates Opportunities in Lower-Carbon Markets

    Reducing the carbon intensity of ethanol can help producers access growing markets for lower-carbon fuels and create new opportunities for ethanol and its co-products.

  • Includes Layers of Monitoring

    Carbon storage projects use monitoring, testing, and safeguards to track injected CO₂ and help ensure it remains securely stored underground.

  • Advances the Next Generation of Ethanol

    Combining ethanol production with carbon capture allows North Dakota to build on its strengths in agriculture and energy while continuing to improve how renewable fuels are produced.

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