Agricultural processing giant ADM has announced its entry into the voluntary carbon dioxide removal (CDR) market, leveraging its 800,000+ ton annual carbon capture capacity at its Columbus, Nebraska corn processing complex.
The resulting carbon removal credits are currently undergoing certification and issuance by Puro.earth under its Geologically Stored Carbon methodology (Edition 2024). Initial credit issuance is expected by year-end, kicking off a 15-year crediting period for the facility.
Under the operational model developed in partnership with energy infrastructure firm Tallgrass, biogenic CO2 emitted during ethanol fermentation at ADM‘s wet and dry mills is purified, compressed, and transported to Tallgrass’s Eastern Wyoming Sequestration Hub. The gas is permanently injected underground using Class VI wells permitted by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.
The move allows ADM to monetize its existing carbon management footprint while providing corporate buyers across technology, aviation, finance, and pharmaceuticals with verified, large-scale engineered carbon removals.
Building Investment-Grade Supply in the Bioethanol Sector
ADM’s commercial expansion builds on more than a decade of carbon capture and geological storage experience, including operating Class VI injection wells at its flagship Decatur, Illinois processing hub.
“Certifying carbon removal at this scale demands real rigor, and we believe ADM has approached every stage—from measurement and data collection through to third-party audit—with the discipline and transparency that an investment-grade market requires,” said Jan-Willem Bode, President of Puro.earth.
“That partnership is what turns one of the world’s largest bioethanol carbon capture facilities into verified, investable carbon removal.”
Relevant: ADM Launches World’s Largest Bioethanol Carbon Capture Facility in Nebraska
The project highlights how agricultural processors are leveraging existing bioethanol infrastructure to generate high-durability carbon credits at low marginal capture costs.
“Our growth strategy is predicated on smart investments that build on our world-class footprint, and carbon capture is a great example of that,” added Kris Lutt, Vice President of Innovation & Growth at ADM.
“This substantial carbon removal offering will allow us to expand our efforts to new customers across multiple industries.”
Read more: Green Plains Activates Carbon Capture At All Nebraska Ethanol Plants
