Red Trail Energy Pioneers Carbon Credit Generation in Ethanol Industry
- 08-Mar-2024 10:03 AM
- Journalist: Motoki Sasaki
Red Trail Energy LLC, a US based company, has achieved a historic feat by becoming the inaugural ethanol production facility to generate carbon removal credits, thus making its entry into the voluntary carbon market (VCM). Moreover, this initiative stands as the most extensive durable carbon removal project currently registered under the esteemed Puro Standard.
The genesis of these credits, known as CO2 Removal Certificates (CORCs), can be traced back to the concerted efforts of Red Trail Energy in collaboration with EcoEngineers, a reputable clean energy advisory firm, and Puro.earth, a global frontrunner in crediting engineered carbon removal projects. Specifically, the project accredited by Red Trail Energy entails an ethanol production plant integrated with a bioenergy system featuring carbon capture and storage (BECCS) capabilities, meticulously adhering to Puro’s Geologically Stored Carbon Methodology.
In this innovative setup, carbon dioxide (CO2) is sequestered from the fermentation process and subsequently injected into a legally authorized underground Class VI well. Remarkably, this well is strategically positioned directly beneath Red Trail Energy’s ethanol plant, ensuring the permanent storage of the captured CO2.
Red Trail Energy not only attains a groundbreaking milestone as one of the pioneering bioenergy facilities implementing BECCS but also emerges as a trailblazer in introducing verified Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) credits to the market. Reflecting on this accomplishment, a spokesperson from Red Trail Energy remarked, This program solidifies our standing in the ethanol industry and establishes a new benchmark for sustainability and innovation. It underscores our commitment to driving positive change and showcases the feasibility of proactive environmental stewardship within our sector.
Since the commencement of operations at the BECCS facility approximately 14 months ago, Red Trail Energy has issued a remarkable total of 150,000 carbon removal credits. With the expert guidance of EcoEngineers and in collaboration with Puro.earth, Red Trail Energy has been the recipient of over 150,000 CO2 Removal Certificates, representing the first 14 months of BECCS operation. Notably, this issuance stands as the largest durable carbon removal credit issuance within the VCM framework, signifying a monumental stride towards scaling up CDR to levels that are climate-relevant.
This remarkable achievement by Red Trail Energy not only underscores the transformative potential of BECCS technology in reducing carbon emissions but also highlights the pivotal role that proactive environmental stewardship can play in driving sustainability within the energy sector. Amidst the ongoing challenges posed by climate change on a global scale, endeavors like these emerge as symbols of optimism, showcasing the potential of innovation and cooperation in addressing one of the most urgent issues of our era.