EPA Approves Well Permit for Kansas Wheat Processor's Carbon Capture Work
Wheat processor PureField Ingredients has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to begin work on a biofuels carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at its Russell, Kansas operations.
The food and fuel processor now has the federal EPA go-ahead to begin permanent geologic sequestration of CO2 produced from its integrated food and fuel activities. At the Russell plant, Kansas-grown wheat is processed into food applications, while residual wheat starch produced during fermentation is converted into ethanol fuel and animal feed.
Its planned carbon capture and storage project has a new EPA Class VI well permit, reportedly the first issued in Kansas, to inject CO2 emissions into underground formations. Following final commissioning of its project, PureField will start carbon capture and sequestration work in Russell.
"This is a defining moment for PureField to meet our commitment to serve Kansas farmers and our customers in the U.S. and around the world," said Aaron Buettner, CEO of PureField Ingredients, in a statement. "By combining our advanced, wheat-based feedstock with carbon capture and permanent storage, we are creating a structurally advantaged platform that delivers some of the lowest carbon fuels in the world while simultaneously producing essential food ingredients."
Carbon dioxide generated during fermentation is to be captured and stored underground.
"With CCS in place, PureField will be able to deliver more sustainable products at scale, while reinforcing our commitment to Russell and the surrounding region," Buettner added. "It strengthens our position as a long-term employer, supports local agriculture, and creates a foundation for continued growth and investment—driven by the dedication and capabilities of our team."
PureField’s Russell food plant processes close to 20 million bushels of wheat and sorghum annually, according to reports. This eventually leads to production of 50 million ethanol gallons per year, much of it transported to west coast fuel blending markets.
Kansas is the largest wheat-producing state in the U.S. at close to seven million harvested acres annually. It also produces about 642 million gallons of ethanol per year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.