Western Plains Energy, a leading renewable energy producer in Oakley, Kansas, has taken a significant step towards its net-zero emissions goal by upgrading its bioethanol production facility with a fully integrated Whitefox® membrane solution. This innovative technology, implemented by Whitefox Technologies, marks the first installation of the Whitefox ICE® XL membrane dehydration system in the United States.
The Whitefox ICE® XL system replaces traditional molecular sieves with a proprietary membrane system, enabling Western Plains to achieve a remarkable 50% reduction in natural gas and steam consumption. This translates to a 25% increase in production capacity while significantly reducing operational costs. The combined impact of these improvements results in a 10% decrease in Western Plains’ carbon intensity score, a crucial step towards their net-zero ambitions.
Derek Peine, CEO of Western Plains Energy, highlighted the transformative nature of the Whitefox ICE® XL system. He emphasized the system’s seamless integration into the existing distillation, dehydration, and evaporation (DD&E) unit operations, providing continuous processing and a remarkable reduction in energy and water consumption. Peine emphasized that this significant reduction in steam usage brings Western Plains closer to achieving their ambitious net-zero carbon goal.
Gillian Harrison, CEO of Whitefox Technologies, emphasized the collaborative spirit behind the project. She lauded Western Plains’ forward-thinking vision to become a net-zero producer, which was established as early as 2019. Together with Whitefox engineers, they have successfully developed ultra-low energy ethanol, demonstrating the potential for renewable fuels to become an integral part of a sustainable future. Harrison highlighted the project’s international dimension, supported by funding from the USDA and Innovate UK, demonstrating the global commitment to reducing emissions in renewable fuels and supporting rural communities.
This project, the first ICE XL project in the US and Whitefox’s 18th project with a further 6 under construction, marks a milestone in sustainable innovation within the ethanol production industry. Western Plains and Whitefox’s collaborative effort serves as a testament to the fact that net-zero emissions are not just a theoretical aspiration but a tangible and attainable goal for businesses committed to environmental responsibility. By combining innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for a sustainable future, Western Plains Energy and Whitefox Technologies are setting a new standard for sustainable ethanol production, paving the way for a greener tomorrow.
