CF Industries Launches Sustainable Fertilizer Initiative for Low-Carbon Ethanol Production
CF Industries, a leader in agricultural chemicals, has partnered with POET LLC, the largest producer of corn-based ethanol worldwide, to create a low-carbon ammonia fertilizer. This initiative aims to significantly decrease the carbon footprint associated with biofuel production while aligning with U.S. sustainability standards for fuels.
The collaboration intends to roll out the low-carbon fertilizer applications this fall, with additional applications projected for the spring of 2025. Interested farmers who supply corn to POET’s facilities located in Bingham Lake, Minnesota; Emmetsburg, Iowa; Fairmont, Nebraska; and North Manchester, Indiana can participate in this pilot program.
For farmers seeking new revenue streams in the evolving biofuels market, reducing fertilizer carbon emissions is crucial. To be eligible for tax credits linked to sustainable aviation fuel, for instance, corn growers must utilize enhanced efficiency fertilizers and adopt various climate-smart agricultural practices.
The initial phase of the POET and CF partnership will utilize green ammonia generated at CF Industries’ Donaldsonville Complex in Louisiana. This process effectively eliminates carbon dioxide emissions during hydrogen production via an electrolyzer.
Next year, CF Industries plans to expand the availability of low-carbon ammonia at the Donaldsonville site, coinciding with the launch of a large-scale carbon capture and sequestration initiative.
“Producing fertilizers with lower carbon intensity offers a measurable and certifiable approach to decarbonizing bioethanol production,” stated Bert Frost, executive vice president of sales, supply chain, and market development at CF Industries. “We are eager to showcase these advantages not only for ethanol producers but also for corn farmers.”
Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.