Gevo is planning a significant expansion of its ethanol operations in North Dakota, aiming to double production capacity at its facility in Richardton as part of a broader strategy focused on low-carbon fuels.
The company intends to construct a second production unit capable of producing up to 75 million gallons of ethanol annually. This follows an earlier plan to increase output at the existing plant, originally acquired from Red Trail Energy, from 67 million to 75 million gallons per year.
A key factor behind the expansion is the site’s integration with carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure. The facility was among the first in the United States to capture carbon dioxide from the fermentation process and store it underground, enabling lower lifecycle emissions and access to policy incentives tied to carbon reduction.
Expansion tied to low-carbon fuels strategy
Gevo’s investment reflects growing interest in low-carbon ethanol as both a transportation fuel and a potential feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The company has indicated that the expanded site could serve as a foundation for future SAF production, a market segment that typically commands higher prices than conventional ethanol.
The scale of the expansion is also notable from an agricultural perspective. At full capacity, the combined facilities could consume tens of millions of bushels of corn annually, reinforcing the link between biofuels production and regional farming economies.
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Policy developments are also shaping the outlook. The Environmental Protection Agency has recently moved to allow higher ethanol blends in gasoline during the summer months and is targeting increased biofuel volumes overall, which could support demand growth.
While the project’s timeline and capital costs have not been disclosed, the expansion will require regulatory approval from state authorities.
If completed, it would further position North Dakota as a hub for integrating biofuels production with carbon capture technologies, highlighting how CCS can enhance the economics and environmental profile of ethanol manufacturing.
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