Gevo Plans to Double Ethanol Production Capacity in North Dakota
Gevo announces plans for a second low-carbon ethanol facility at its Richardton, North Dakota site, targeting a total combined capacity of approximately 150 million gallons per year.
| Sectors | Alternative Fuels, Ethanol, Carbon, CCS |
|---|---|
| Themes | Project Development, Announcement |
| Countries | United States |
Gevo, Inc. has announced the development of a second low-carbon ethanol production facility at its Gevo North Dakota (GND) site in Richardton, North Dakota. The targeted capacity for the new installation would reach up to 75 million gallons per year (MGPY), according to the company. Combined with a previously announced incremental expansion, total site capacity would reach approximately 150 MGPY.
A two-phase expansion
Earlier this year, Gevo had announced a gradual increase in the capacity of its existing facility, from 67 MGPY to 75 MGPY over one year. The new announcement covers a second, separate production facility that would bring total capacity to approximately 150 MGPY of low-carbon ethanol. It would also, according to the company, enable the capture of more than 400,000 metric tons of CO₂ and the production of animal feed and corn oil.
The integrated system at GND combines ethanol production, CO₂ capture, and permanent sequestration. This structure enables Gevo to monetize captured emissions in voluntary markets and low-carbon fuel markets. The alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology also provides a pathway to large-scale production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Interest from multiple potential financiers
"The level of interest we have received from multiple potential financiers underscores the strategic value and confidence in our expansion plans at Gevo North Dakota," said Paul Bloom, President of Gevo. The company states it is evaluating these opportunities to deliver sustainable growth and long-term value for shareholders. No investment amount or definitive timeline has been disclosed at this stage.
The company highlights the geographic position of the site, which it describes as one of the best in the United States, in a state favorable to agriculture and energy. GND has operational carbon capture and sequestration infrastructure, as well as access to pore space for permanent sequestration. Gevo notes it is building on engineering and development work already undertaken for another project to reduce costs and risk.
Positioning in SAF and CO₂ credit markets
The company aims to strengthen its position in low-carbon ethanol supply, both domestically and internationally. Expanding biogenic CO₂ sequestration would support the development of its business in CO₂ removal credit markets. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently reaffirmed the priorities of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which Gevo says reinforces its positioning in this segment.
