Supporting Our Roots
Carbon capture and storage in Leipsic, Ohio
At POET, we know that strong rural communities are built on hard work, partnerships, and a commitment to the next generation. That's why we're bringing a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project to Leipsic-a practical step that helps strengthen local agriculture, bring new investment to the area, and supports rural farming economies.
"POET has always been committed to adding value to every acre and every bushel of corn in Putnam County. With CCS, we're unlocking new opportunities that support our plant, our local farmers, and the Leipsic area community." - Ken Miceli, General Manager of POET Bioprocessing - Leipsic
POET's local impact
Facility start up
Corn farmer partners
Local team members
In annual wages
In charitable giving in 2024
POET - Leipsic annual production
Corn bushels ground
Corn purchased
Gallons of ethanol produced
Tons of DDG feed produced
Benefits of CCS to Leipsic and Putnam County
- Local Economic Growth
- Stronger grain markets for farmers
- New Jobs
- Additional property tax revenue
- Local Investment
Community partnership fund
Investing in the future of Putnam County
We have a special relationship with the communities we call home. POET's neighbors often include our first investors, corn suppliers, feed customers, and team members' families. We are 100% committed to the well-being and long-term success of this community. For over 35 years, it's also been our mission to create value for rural communities. We believe carbon sequestration is the next big opportunity for bioprocessing and it can generate tremendous benefits for the entire county.
We want everyone to share in the value of this project, including neighboring landowners, family farmers, local construction workers, truckers, and residents across Putnam County.
Over the past year, we've had a lot of conversations and we've heard a common question from landowners and community members outside of the project area: how will we benefit? That's why POET created a Community Partnership Fund to help ensure everyone has the opportunity to benefit from this project.
Here's how it works
- The Fund will allocate a portion of the federal tax incentives we're eligible to receive for permanently sequestering CO2 and invest that money directly back into the community.
- POET will donate $2.00 per metric ton of carbon sequestered. As long as POET is actively sequestering CO2, the county will receive an annual payment of up to $500,000. That could build to a combined total of $6 million over the life of the project!
- There are no strings or stipulations attached-the county is free to use the funds however it sees fit.
- The funds could be used for roads, parks, schools, emergency services, or whatever matters most.
This partnership reflects POET's belief that everyone in the community is a partner and deserves to benefit from the project's success.
Payment value
Program duration
Recipient and use of funds
Our partners
The Vault team has been formed to bring individuals with decades of experience to this business; their senior team alone has collectively over 150 years of combined experience in carbon sequestration and subsurface technical experience.
Vault's team of professionals has been involved in many major CCS projects, both in the United States and globally. They bring decades of professional, operational, and technical experience to this project, in addition to projects that are further along here in Ohio. We are confident in their ability to safely and successfully complete this project.
Frequently asked questions
Only a small number of landowners per facility will be directly involved in the project. POET and Vault team members have engaged in conversations with those landowners about the system, its safety, and compensation for easements.
Carbon Capture and Storage is a process that captures carbon dioxide from industrial sources and permanently injects it in geologic formations deep underground.
CCS unlocks significant markets, such as sustainable aviation and marine fuels, which demand low-carbon fuels. New biofuels markets add value to grain, extend our partnership with family farmers, and keep agriculture thriving.
Carbon Dioxide
- 99% pure CO2
Compatible Geology
- Deep injection reservoir
- Impermeable Caprock to prevent migration of CO2
- Porous and permeable injection pore space.
- Injection zone with high salinity (>10,000 PPM)
Injection Permit
- The EPA provides regulatory & permitting oversight to all CCS projects, with the primary goal of protecting underground drinking water sources.
- Class VI Underground Injection Control Permit
Injection Wells
- At least one deep injection well with monitoring wells
Land Rights
- Underground Pore Space easements
- Well-siting easements
The 45Q tax credits help offset the high up-front costs associated with CCS infrastructure, geological assessments, and long-term monitoring-similar to how conservation programs support farmers in adopting sustainable practices. However, POET does not receive any credits until CO2 is permanently and verifiably sequestered, meaning the value must be earned through real, measurable results. Backed by bipartisan support for years, 45Q makes it possible for POET to invest in CCS technology that will strengthen rural economies, open new markets, and benefit farmers long into the future.
What makes POET's approach unique is our decision to share a portion of these tax credits directly with the community through our Community Partnership Fund. As part of this program, POET could contribute up to $6 million in direct local investment over the life of the project.
This initiative reflects POET's long-standing commitment to supporting rural communities and ensuring our neighbors-including family farmers, landowners, counties and local residents-share in the value created by CCS.
Safety is our top priority. This isn't a new or experimental technology; it's been done safely for decades. The project poses minimal risk, as all carbon capture and storage will occur entirely on-site at POET. CO2 will be injected over a kilometer underground and secured by multiple layers of natural and engineered containment. Seismic testing confirmed an anticipated thick, porous layer of sandstone with strong caprock above-critical features for secure containment.
The EPA will conduct a rigorous review and permitting process to verify long-term geological integrity and environmental safety. POET will meet or exceed all applicable federal standards, including those governed by the Department of Transportation. Redundant safety systems, real-time monitoring, and automatic shutdown protocols ensure the protection of our team members, surrounding communities, and the environment. We're working with expert engineers and regulators to meet or exceed every standard.
