ADM enters voluntary carbon market with 800,000 tons of CCS credits from Nebraska ethanol plant

Archer Daniels Midland plans to sell carbon removal credits generated by carbon capture at its Columbus, Nebraska corn processing facility. The plant captures biogenic CO2 during ethanol fermentation, then compresses and transports it for underground storage in Wyoming. ADM expects to issue credits over 15 years, with annual capacity above 800,000 tons, verified by registry Puro.earth under its Geologically Stored Carbon methodology. This is ADM's first move into the voluntary carbon market, though it has operated Class VI injection wells in Illinois since 2011. The company is partnering with Tallgrass on the Nebraska project, which it calls the world's largest bioethanol carbon capture facility. The credits will target buyers in technology, finance, aviation, and pharmaceuticals. ADM also points to its regenerative agriculture work, including a 2024 goal hit early on 5 million acres, as part of its broader climate strategy. For carbon market watchers, the key details are the Puro.earth audit process, the 15-year credit horizon, and how the biogenic carbon accounting avoids double counting with other programs. The scale is significant, and it signals that large agricultural processors see carbon removal credits as a revenue stream, not just a compliance exercise.