DALLAS, TEXAS, US — Navigator CO2 Ventures LLC announced on March 23 that it has entered into a long-term agreement with Siouxland Ethanol LLC to provide CO₂ capture, transportation and storage services on its carbon capture and storage (CCS) system, the Heartland Greenway.

The agreement between companies outlines the key terms for Navigator to design and install Siouxland’s carbon capture equipment at its plant in Jackson, Nebraska, US. Once installed, Navigator will capture, transport, and store up to 235,000 tonnes of Siouxland's CO₂ per year, equivalent to the carbon emissions of approximately 51,000 vehicles driven annually. Start of operations is expected at the beginning of 2025.

“As one of the best-in-class ethanol biorefining operators, we are excited to be working with Siouxland on a comprehensive carbon handling solution,” said Matt Vining, chief executive officer, Navigator. “The provided services will create a day-one economic benefit to the facility and surrounding community, while abating almost 100% of Siouxland's greenhouse gas emissions.”

Once fully expanded, the Heartland Greenway will be able to capture and sequester 15 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, which, according to EPA estimates, is equivalent to eliminating the annual carbon footprint of the Des Moines metro area three times over.

“Siouxland Ethanol has been a leader in producing low carbon ethanol since its inception,” said Nick Bowdish, president and chief executive officer, Siouxland Ethanol. “Whether it be actively capturing methane from the neighboring landfill and using it to create process steam for the plant or installing the very first dryer exhaust energy recovery system, our company is a living example of how to provide real solutions to our transportation needs that both lower the carbon footprint and are readily available at scale today. This agreement with Navigator takes our commitment to provide clean octane and increases it exponentially.”

The ethanol plant in Jackson has doubled its production capacity over 15 years of operational growth, powered by its 41 employees. Each year, Siouxland Ethanol purchases more than 30 million bushels of locally grown corn and turns the kernels into high-octane low carbon ethanol for fuel, livestock feed, and corn oil used to make renewable biofuel.