POET, a biofuel producer, and Tallgrass, an infrastructure developer, have entered into binding agreements to connect POET’s Fairmont, Nebraska bioprocessing facility with the Tallgrass Trailblazer CO2 pipeline. This alliance captures the CO2 released from bioethanol production and stores it underground in Wyoming to support Nebraska’s agricultural economy.
Amplifying Carbon Capture
Under the agreement, Tallgrass is converting its existing natural gas pipeline, which has been operational for over a decade, to carry CO2 from POET’s Fairmont plant. The conversion sends CO2 to a sequestration site in Wyoming, minimizing the requirement for additional infrastructure. The project is being built and will begin operation in 2025, allowing POET to access the pipeline shortly.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
By sequestering and storing bioCO2 from bioethanol production, POET can significantly reduce the carbon intensity of its biofuels.This will open up new economic opportunities for Nebraska corn growers and bioethanol producers and assist the biofuel industry in mitigating climate change.
The deal between POET and Tallgrass will benefit the regional community through the Trailblazer Community Benefits Agreement.This initiative provides direct funding to landowners hosting the pipeline on their property and supports the communities hosting the infrastructure.
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Supporting Rural Nebraska and Agriculture
POET’s founder and CEO, Jeff Broin, said, “POET is excited to join the Tallgrass Trailblazer project. Carbon capture is a tremendous opportunity to create significant value for farmers and bioethanol producers while strengthening rural communities and counties in Nebraska and across the Midwest. We believe this initiative — and similar carbon capture projects — will play an important role in unleashing even more opportunities for agriculture in the future.”
Alison Nelson, Segment President of CO2 Business Development and Origination at Tallgrass, expressed excitement about collaborating with POET in Nebraska. She added that their work together would broadly benefit the communities involved in the project and contribute to the state’s bioeconomy.
Additionally, as Tallgrass builds the Trailblazer CO2 pipeline, the partnership enhances carbon capture technology and strengthens Nebraska’s agricultural economy.
