## Western Plains Energy Takes a Giant Leap Towards Net Zero with Whitefox ICE® XL Solution
Western Plains Energy, a renewable energy company based in Oakley, Kansas, is making waves in the sustainable energy sector. They’ve recently achieved a major milestone by successfully installing the Whitefox ICE® XL membrane dehydration system at their ethanol plant. This innovative technology has led to a remarkable 50% reduction in steam usage and a 25% increase in production capacity, significantly propelling Western Plains towards their ambitious net-zero emissions goal.
The Whitefox ICE® XL system represents a significant advancement in ethanol production. This fully integrated solution replaces traditional molecular sieves with a proprietary membrane system, enabling continuous processing while drastically reducing energy and water consumption. This innovative approach is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective, contributing to Western Plains’ commitment to sustainable and efficient operations.
“The Whitefox ICE® XL system is a fully integrated solution within our distillation, dehydration and evaporation (DD&E) unit operations. It fully replaces the molecular sieves, with a proprietary membrane system, providing continuous processing and reduced energy and water consumption. It is designed to allow us to reduce our steam usage by up to 50%, which is a big step towards our net zero carbon goal.” – Derek Peine, CEO of Western Plains Energy.
This collaboration between Western Plains Energy and Whitefox Technologies signifies a groundbreaking advancement in the renewable fuels industry. Gillian Harrison, CEO of Whitefox Technologies, highlights the project’s significance: “The project has embodied the true spirit of collaboration. Western Plains had the vision to be a Net Zero producer in 2019, and together with our engineers, have created ultra-low energy ethanol. This project has been an international endeavor to drive down emissions in renewable fuels and support advancements in rural communities with funding from the USDA and Innovate UK.”
This project is the first installation of the ICE XL system in the United States, and it marks Whitefox’s 18th project, with six more under construction. This expansion exemplifies Whitefox’s dedication to driving sustainable innovation in the ethanol production industry. The success of this project demonstrates that achieving net-zero emissions is not just an aspiration but a tangible reality for the renewable fuels industry.
About Western Plains Energy
Western Plains Energy, LLC., is a renewable energy production company based in Oakley, Kansas. The company transforms regionally grown grain into sustainable, low-carbon products such as denatured ethanol and wet distillers’ grains. Western Plains Energy is committed to meeting the increasing demand for domestically produced, sustainable renewable energy.
About Whitefox Technologies
Whitefox Technologies specializes in developing and innovating proprietary membrane solutions. Whitefox’s solutions use membrane-based cartridge technology, enabling clients to produce ethanol and other chemicals to the highest market standards while maximizing energy and water efficiency. With a minimal carbon footprint, Whitefox provides solutions for all types of organic solvents, biofuels, and renewable chemicals in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South America.
Moving Towards a Sustainable Future
The success of the Whitefox ICE® XL system at Western Plains Energy marks a crucial step in the transition to a more sustainable energy future. By reducing their carbon footprint and increasing production efficiency, Western Plains Energy is setting an example for the renewable energy industry. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions that will propel us towards a cleaner, greener future.
