Red Trail Energy (RTE), a North Dakota corn-based ethanol production facility, and Puro.earth have announced the issuance of RTE’s carbon dioxide (CO2) removal credits on the Puro Registry. This makes RTE the first ethanol production facility to generate CO2 Removal Certificates (CORCs) in the voluntary carbon market (VCM) and the largest durable carbon removal project registered to date. RTE, through its marketing arm RPMG, will offer these CORCs to help clients complement their emission reduction activities in pursuit of net-zero targets.
The carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits are generated through bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) from ethanol production, in compliance with Puro’s Geologically Stored Carbon Methodology.
RTE sequesters CO2 from the fermentation process at its ethanol plant into a permitted underground Class VI well, located approximately 6,500 feet directly beneath the facility. This carbon removal will be available as CORCs to support buyers in achieving their emission reduction goals.
RTE’s CEO, Jodi Johnson, stated, “We have not only achieved a groundbreaking milestone as one of the first bioenergy facilities with BECCS but have also emerged as pioneers in bringing verified CDR credits to the market.” This program strengthens RTE’s position in the ethanol industry and sets a new standard for sustainability and innovation, driving positive change and demonstrating the viability of proactive environmental stewardship within the sector.
RTE was issued over 150,000 CO2 Removal Certificates from the first 14 months of BECCS operation. David LaGreca, Managing Director of VCM Services at EcoEngineers, emphasized the need for high-quality removal programs like RTE’s, given the urgency to reduce carbon emissions and address global carbon budgets.
Antti Vihavainen, Chief Executive Officer of Puro.earth, said, “This is the largest durable carbon removal credit issuance to date in the VCM, marking a monumental milestone toward scaling CDR to climate-relevant levels. At Puro.earth, we remain steadfast in our commitment to establishing rigorous standards that propel the expansion, commoditization, and liquidity of durable CDR markets. The significance of RTE’s CCS project cannot be overstated, as it serves as a compelling demonstration that through stringent methodologies for carbon removal and the financial incentives from CORCs, the vital infrastructure required for large-scale carbon sequestration will materialize.”
