Nebraska Ag Connection - Large-Scale Carbon Capture and Storage Project Planned

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Large-Scale Carbon Capture and Storage Project Planned
Nebraska Ag Connection - 05/07/2021

Valero Energy Corporation and BlackRock Global Energy & Power Infrastructure Fund III announced that they are partnering with Navigator Energy Services ("Navigator") to develop an industrial scale carbon capture pipeline system ("CCS"). The initial phase is expected to span more than 1,200 miles of new carbon dioxide gathering and transportation pipelines across five Midwest states with the capability of permanently storing up to 5 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. Pending third party customer feedback, the system could be expanded to transport and sequester up to 8 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

Valero, the largest renewable fuels producer in North America, is expected to become an anchor shipper by securing a majority of the initial available system capacity. Navigator is expected to lead the construction and operations of the system and anticipates operations to begin late 2024. In the coming months, Navigator will seek additional commitments to utilize the remaining capacity via a binding open season process.

The CCS project seeks to provide biorefineries and other industrial participants a long-term, economic path to materially reduce their carbon footprint while maximizing the value of their end-product in a costeffective manner that is safe for the environment.

"This project demonstrates our leadership in energy transition through innovation in renewables," said Joe Gorder, Valero chairman and CEO. "We continue to expand our long-term competitive advantage with investments to produce lower carbon fuels."

"We are very excited to partner with Valero and Navigator in the development of this project," said Mark Florian, head of BlackRock's Global Energy & Power Infrastructure team, which invests in essential, longterm infrastructure investments in the energy and power sector and sits within BlackRock Real Assets. "Carbon capture infrastructure is a key part of reducing global carbon dioxide emissions, and we look forward to executing this important project with high-quality industry partners and creating a strong investment for our funds."

"Now is the time for industry-leading market participants to join forces to complete an environmentally focused midstream project of this size and scale. Harnessing our collective resources and strengths will create a unique infrastructure project that changes the way carbon emissions are managed," said Matt Vining, Navigator's CEO.

Navigator will work with each counterparty to install or connect the applicable carbon capture equipment to the pipeline at various receipt points in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Illinois. The proposed system plans to transport liquefied carbon dioxide through the pipeline, ranging from 6" to 16" in diameter, for delivery into a central sequestration facility contemplated to be in south-central Illinois.

The system is expected to have the ability to expand materially if driven by demand.

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