welcome to one earth sequestration
Protecting Our Environment for Future Generations.
About the Project
One Earth Sequestration (OES) is a proposed carbon capture and storage (CCS) project developed in partnership with One Earth Energy (OEE), a leading ethanol producer in central Illinois. Together, we are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support local agriculture, and strengthen Illinois’ leadership in clean‑energy innovation.
Carbon dioxide will be captured directly from the fermentation process at the OEE ethanol plant — a natural byproduct released when yeast converts corn sugars into ethanol. Fermentation CO₂ is biogenic — produced from natural biological processes — and would normally be released to the atmosphere. OES will compress the CO₂ into a supercritical fluid and inject it more than 6,000 feet underground into stable geologic formations for permanent storage.
By capturing fermentation CO₂ at the source, OES helps reduce the carbon footprint of ethanol, supports sustainable farming practices, and promotes a cleaner environment for future generations.
Why Carbon Storage Matters
Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are the primary drivers of climate change. Long-term monitoring by NASA and other scientific agencies shows a clear upward trend in atmospheric CO₂ levels.
Carbon capture and storage offers a practical, science-based solution:
Capture CO₂ at the source
Compress it into a dense, supercritical fluid
Transport it safely
Inject it deep underground into secure geologic formations
CCS is a proven, safe, and effective technology used around the world. The OES project supports Illinois’ climate goals and helps make ethanol production more sustainable
Project Benefits
The One Earth Sequestration (OES) project will deliver major environmental, economic, and community benefits for central Illinois and beyond.
Environmental Benefits
OES will capture 521,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually — the equivalent of removing 123,999 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from the road for one year. That’s nearly every registered vehicle in McLean County, Illinois.
This provides cleaner air and supports long‑term environmental health
Clean Fuel Innovation
Enables production of low-carbon ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
Helps achieve a carbon intensity (CI) rating of 60, improving market competitiveness
Supports Illinois’ leadership in clean fuel development
Agricultural Benefits
Supports local corn growers
Expands markets for ethanol, distillers grains, and corn oil
Strengthens rural economic resilience and keeps value-added processing local
Economic Benefits
OEE has already generated:
$1.8 billion in economic impact for Ford County
$3 billion in labor income
8,000+ jobs since 2009
Future projections include:
$100+ million in annual economic impact
$1.8 billion in statewide GDP contribution by 2030–2035
$250 million in county and state revenue
Planned Project Activities
OES has worked closely with the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) and the U.S. Department of Energy to evaluate and prepare the proposed sequestration site. Key activities include:
Geologic Site Characterization
Stratigraphic test well drilling
Core sampling
Seismic data analysis
Evaluation of the Mt. Simon Sandstone reservoir
Assessment of the Eau Claire Formation as a confining layer
Pipeline and Injection Infrastructure
Planning for a CO₂ pipeline from One Earth Energy to the injection wells
Survey mapping of the proposed route
Identification of infrastructure crossings
Planning for two injection wells and multiple monitoring locations
Environmental and Technical Planning
Development of a monitoring strategy
Environmental sampling
Coordination with geoscientists, engineers, and reg
Transition to Safety & Emergency Response
As project planning advances, OES is working closely with local fire departments, hospitals, emergency management officials, and state agencies to ensure community safety. Activities include:
Emergency responder training
Safety equipment procurement
Development of a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan
Ongoing coordination with local, state, and federal partners
Learn more on our Safety & Emergency Response page.
Explore the Site
Home – Welcome to One Earth Sequestration
Carbon Storage – How geologic storage works and why it’s safe
Project Benefits – Timeline, infrastructure, environmental sampling, and economic impact
Safety & Community – Safety planning, responder training, community support, and outreach
News – Updates, newsletters, and project documents
Input – Submit comments and questions
