RICHARDTON, N.D. – Red Trail Energy, LLC (RTE) submitted a North Dakota Carbon Dioxide Storage Facility permit application to the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). The permit will allow RTE the capability of permanently storing captured carbon dioxide in deep underground rock layers. If approved, the carbon capture and storage (CCS) effort would be the first of its kind in the state, located on RTE’s property.
With the support of the North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), RTE and its research partner, the University of North Dakota Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC), have investigated every aspect of commercially available CCS technology as a way to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions associated with ethanol production. Reducing emissions enables ethanol producers to be more competitive in states that have low-carbon fuel (LCF) programs, such as California. CCS technology coupled with LCF program benefits allows for permanently stored carbon dioxide emissions in a safe and cost-effective manner.
“We’re excited to submit the first application in the state for safe, permanent, geologic storage of carbon dioxide,” said RTE CEO Gerald Bachmeier. “Using CCS to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of our ethanol ensures the long-term viability of RTE in a highly competitive global market.”
Questions about the project can be directed to:
Dustin Willett, RTE Chief Operating Officer
(701) 974-3308, dustin@redtrailenergy.com
Nikki Massmann, EERC Communications Director
(701) 777-5428, nmassmann@undeerc.org