Key Takeaways:
- ADM (NYSE: ADM) has begun operations at a new carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at its Columbus, Nebraska Corn Processing Complex, now the world’s largest bioethanol carbon capture facility.
- The project utilizes Tallgrass’s Trailblazer pipeline to transport captured CO₂ to a permanent storage hub in Eastern Wyoming.
- The 400-mile Trailblazer pipeline can move over 10 million tons of CO₂ per year, equivalent to removing more than 2 million passenger vehicles from the road.
- The project was built using voluntary landowner easements, underscoring community collaboration.
- ADM and Tallgrass see the initiative as a milestone for scalable, low-carbon industrial solutions.
ADM Expands Carbon Capture Operations with Tallgrass Partnership
ADM (NYSE: ADM) has officially launched operations for its new carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at the Columbus, Nebraska Corn Processing Complex, marking a significant advancement in industrial decarbonization. The facility now stands as the largest bioethanol CCS site in the world, reinforcing ADM’s position as a leader in sustainable processing and carbon management.
The initiative is part of ADM’s broader commitment to reduce emissions across its global operations while meeting growing demand for low-carbon food, feed, and fuel ingredients.
“ADM has been a pioneer in the CCS industry for more than a decade and this is an expansion of that expertise,” said Chris Cuddy, President, North America at ADM. “CCS is an important part of our strategy to decarbonize our operations and help meet global demand for low-carbon ingredients, and we are proud to work with Tallgrass to find innovative solutions at facilities like Columbus. This is an exciting project for the industry and for the future of CCS technology.”
Trailblazer Pipeline Transforms Legacy Infrastructure for Climate Impact
The project centers around Tallgrass’s Trailblazer pipeline, a repurposed 400-mile natural gas transmission line connecting Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming. The pipeline now serves as a CO₂ transportation corridor capable of moving over 10 million tons of carbon dioxide per year to Tallgrass’s Eastern Wyoming Sequestration Hub, where the gas will be securely stored deep underground.
This capacity is equivalent to removing 2 million passenger vehicles from circulation—or about one-fourth of all registered vehicles across the three states.
As part of the collaboration, Tallgrass built a lateral connection to ADM’s ethanol plant, securing voluntary easements from landowners to ensure minimal environmental disruption and strong community engagement.
“This project proves that global impact grows from local roots,” said Alison Nelson, Segment President of CO₂ Business Development and Origination at Tallgrass. “We’re proud to stand with ADM in achieving this milestone.”
ADM's Columbus CCS Project: A New Benchmark in Industrial Decarbonization
The Columbus CCS project represents a major milestone in the scaling of carbon management infrastructure across the U.S. bioeconomy. ADM’s long-standing leadership in CCS began more than a decade ago with initiatives in Illinois, and the new Nebraska facility significantly expands its footprint in carbon reduction and storage.
By converting industrial emissions into securely stored CO₂, ADM and Tallgrass are contributing to the development of low-carbon supply chains that align with global climate objectives and renewable fuel standards.
Sustainable Innovation with Community Collaboration
Beyond its technological significance, the project showcases how industrial decarbonization can be achieved through collaboration among corporations, local communities, and landowners. The use of voluntary agreements and the repurposing of existing infrastructure demonstrate a model for scalable, community-conscious climate projects.
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