Capturing Biogenic CO2
Corn plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while they grow, then produce corn kernels that release oxygen. Biorefineries then convert the starch from corn kernels into ethanol and nearly pure biogenic carbon dioxide, which has traditionally been released back into the atmosphere. As the world works together toward carbon neutrality, Marquis has launched the Marquis Carbon Sequestration Project, which is centered around a process called BECCS.
The BECCS Process
Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage or carbon capture and sequestration (BECCS) is the process of extracting bioenergy from biomass and capturing and storing the carbon, thereby removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide can then be safely and permanently stored 3,000 to 5,000 feet into the earth.
Carbon Capture at Unprecedented Scale
Marquis will sequester more than 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, which is the equivalent of the carbon dioxide emissions of 200,000 cars driven 2.5 billion miles or 1.1 billion pounds of coal. One million metric tons of carbon dioxide is enough to offset all the electricity used in the more than 181,000 households surrounding the Marquis Industrial Complex in Hennepin, Illinois. With its best-in-class logistics and global reach, Marquis will lead in global decarbonization.
The First Carbon-Neutral Industrial Complex
Since Marquis’ inception nearly 50 years ago, we have been dedicated to utilizing the best practices possible to leave no waste and to empower a better world for tomorrow. We are now proud to announce that the Marquis Industrial Complex is on track to be the world’s first carbon-neutral (net-zero carbon dioxide emissions) industrial complex. Carbon neutrality is achieved by balancing emissions of carbon dioxide with its removal.