Biofuel Breakthrough & Basaltic Burial: Ethanol Enters Epochal Era

In a monumental stride for American biofuel innovation, Conestoga Energy has successfully drilled its first Class VI well for carbon capture, utilisation & sequestration. Located adjacent to its Bonanza BioEnergy ethanol facility in Garden City, Kansas, this deep geological well is designed to permanently store CO₂ emissions, marking a pivotal advancement in low-carbon fuel technology.

Subterranean Strategy & Sequestration Science: Milestone in Molecule Management

The Class VI well will inject CO₂ more than a mile beneath the Earth’s surface into secure, EPA-compliant geologic formations. This initiative will enable 100% of the CO₂ generated during ethanol production to be captured & safely sequestered. Once fully operational, the well is expected to sequester over 150,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually, supporting both climate goals & commercial viability.

EPA Engagement & Environmental Evaluation: Permitting Prepares for Precision

Conestoga plans to submit a comprehensive Class VI permit application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this summer. The application will include detailed geological, seismic, & environmental datasets to confirm the site’s suitability for long-term carbon storage. The permitting phase is a crucial regulatory hurdle that aligns the project with national climate strategy.

Revenue Revival & Reservoir Reclamation: Carbon’s Commercial Comeback

Just fourteen miles from its Enhanced Oil Recovery site, Conestoga’s Class VI project links directly to a Class II well, enabling captured CO₂ to be reused in mature oil fields. This dual-purpose approach enhances oil recovery by injecting CO₂ into depleted reservoirs, restoring pressure, & improving extraction efficiency, all while storing carbon underground. This model amplifies both economic gains & emissions abatement.

Asset Acquisition & Autonomous Authority: Full Control Fuels Flexibility

In 2024, Conestoga acquired all leases, easements, equipment, & field rights for this CCUS project from a third-party developer. This 100% ownership ensures strategic independence across carbon capture, transport, & injection assets, giving the company complete control over operations, timelines, and technology integration, a rare advantage in the biofuel sector.

Decarbonisation Drive & Demonstrable Dedication: Conestoga’s Carbon Credo

CEO Tom Willis emphasised the company's unwavering commitment to sustainability & innovation. Conestoga has already captured CO₂ for over 15 years for EOR purposes, establishing its credibility as an early mover in carbon capture technology. The Class VI well, however, represents a new paradigm, one focused on long-term sequestration rather than short-term reuse.

Global Gains & Green Growth: Toward a Transnational Trajectory

The project also positions Conestoga to tap into international carbon markets, thanks to its low carbon intensity ethanol production. By storing CO₂ and earning carbon credits, the firm enhances its marketability in jurisdictions like California, Canada, & the EU, where carbon reduction mandates are more stringent. This strategic alignment unlocks financial potential from RINs, LCFS, RGGI, & CCA frameworks.

Data-Driven Diligence & Deployment Deliberation: From Drilling to Documentation

With drilling now complete, the company’s attention shifts to comprehensive data analysis in preparation for the EPA review. The documentation phase will involve compiling thousands of pages of subsurface data, site characterisation studies, & risk assessments, all of which are prerequisites for regulatory approval of Class VI sequestration projects.

Key Takeaways

• Conestoga’s Class VI well will sequester 150,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually near its Kansas ethanol plant.

• The company will submit a Class VI permit to the EPA this summer using detailed geological & environmental data.

• Captured CO₂ will also be used for enhanced oil recovery, providing economic value alongside emission cuts.