In an exciting step for continued innovation in bioethanol production, POET, the world’s largest biofuel producer, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Tallgrass, a leading infrastructure company. Through this collaboration, POET’s bioprocessing facility in Fairmont, Nebraska, will connect to the Tallgrass Trailblazer carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline, paving the way for permanent underground carbon sequestration in Wyoming. This collaboration isn’t just about safely storing carbon; it’s about creating new opportunities for agriculture, bioethanol, and rural communities.
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Turning corn into solutions
At POET, every part of the corn kernel is utilized, from the starch that produces bioethanol and purified alcohol to the protein, fiber, and oil used in POET’s animal feed ingredients and other bioproducts. Now, to fully maximize the cyclical CO2 in corn — and complement POET’s existing bioCO2 products — carbon capture and sequestration will play a crucial role.
By capturing bioCO2 from the bioethanol production process and safely sequestering it underground, POET continues to position itself at the forefront of innovation
while unlocking new market opportunities for Nebraska’s corn growers and
bioethanol producers.
“We are excited to be collaborating with POET in Nebraska and are proud that our work with them will broadly benefit the Nebraskan communities associated with the project and continue to add value across the state’s bioeconomy,” said Alison Nelson, Segment President of CO2 Origination at Tallgrass.
The Trailblazer project is currently under construction and will begin operations in 2025. Tallgrass is in the process of converting an existing natural gas pipeline that has operated safely for over a decade to transport CO2, minimizing the need for additional pipeline infrastructure. This conversion also reduces environmental impact and expedites the deployment of essential carbon capture technology.
A win for farmers and rural communities
POET’s commitment to the Trailblazer project extends beyond its own operations. The partnership stands to benefit the broader agricultural economy by expanding access to low-carbon fuel markets and enhancing the value of corn crops in Nebraska and across the Midwest.
The project also provides direct financial benefits to landowners who have agreed to host the pipeline on their property through the Trailblazer Community Benefits Agreement. Other near- and long-term benefits of this agreement include commitments to fund nonprofits and equip and train first responders. Additionally, communities along the project’s route will see increased economic activity and infrastructure investment as the project progresses.
Pioneering a new frontier for bioethanol
Projects like Trailblazer illustrate how bioethanol producers can remain competitive and bring even greater value to corn producers. POET’s participation underscores the company’s commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that biofuels remain a vital part of the global energy transition.
POET and Tallgrass are proving that collaboration, technology, and a shared commitment to innovation can drive meaningful change. By pursuing carbon capture, POET is securing new opportunities for farmers, strengthening rural communities, and leading the charge toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future led by American ingenuity.
“POET is excited to join the Tallgrass Trailblazer project,” said Jeff Broin, POET Founder and CEO. “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.”
