--- title: "Intelligent Low-CI Expansions: Planning for Growth With Carbon Capture in Mind" description: In today’s ethanol landscape, expanding production isn’t just about adding capacity—it’s about expanding smarter. With strong regulatory support, rising demand for low-CI fuels, and an expanding market for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) feedstocks, producers are increasingly looking for ways to scale efficiently while significantly reducing Carbon Intensity (CI). image: https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/hubfs/wood-river-cc-pipe-clean.jpg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/intelligent-low-ci-expansions-planning-for-growth-with-carbon-capture-in-mind#main-content) [![FQ Tech_Logo_color_RGB](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FQ%20Tech_Logo_color_RGB.png?width=3378&height=720&name=FQ%20Tech_Logo_color_RGB.png "FQ Tech_Logo_color_RGB")](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com) [![FQ Tech_Logo_color_RGB](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FQ%20Tech_Logo_color_RGB.png?width=3378&height=720&name=FQ%20Tech_Logo_color_RGB.png "FQ Tech_Logo_color_RGB")](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com) - [Solutions](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/) - [Oil Solutions](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/oil_solutions/) - [Engineering & Design](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_engineering) - [Construction Project Management](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_construction) - [Low Energy Distillation](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_led) - [Overdrive™](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_overdrive) - [Selective Grind Technology](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_sgt) - [DCO Technology](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_dco) - [Protein](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_protein) - [Clean Sugar Technology](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_clean-sugar-technology) - [Technology Innovations](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_technology-innovations) - [Flex Plant](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_flex) - [Mechanical / Service](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_mechanical) - Industries - [Biofuels](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/industries/#industries_biofuels) - [Beverage Solutions](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/beverage-solutions/) - [Industrial Carbohydrates](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/industries/#industries_industrial_carb) - [Product & Ingredient Solutions](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/industries/#industries_product) - [Insights & Resources](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom) - [Thought Leadership](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/tag/blog) - [Newsroom](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/tag/press-release) - [About](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/about/) - [Contact](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/contact/) Search Toggle Menu Search Toggle Menu - [Solutions](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/) - [Oil Solutions](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/oil_solutions/) - [Engineering & Design](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_engineering) - [Construction Project Management](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_construction) - [Low Energy Distillation](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_led) - [Overdrive™](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_overdrive) - [Selective Grind Technology](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_sgt) - [DCO Technology](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_dco) - [Protein](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_protein) - [Clean Sugar Technology](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_clean-sugar-technology) - [Technology Innovations](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_technology-innovations) - [Flex Plant](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_flex) - [Mechanical / Service](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/#solutions_mechanical) - Industries - [Biofuels](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/industries/#industries_biofuels) - [Beverage Solutions](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/beverage-solutions/) - [Industrial Carbohydrates](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/industries/#industries_industrial_carb) - [Product & Ingredient Solutions](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/industries/#industries_product) - [Insights & Resources](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom) - [Thought Leadership](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/tag/blog) - [Newsroom](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/tag/press-release) - [About](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/about/) - [Contact](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/contact/) [Facebook](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/intelligent-low-ci-expansions-planning-for-growth-with-carbon-capture-in-mind#0) [Instagram](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/intelligent-low-ci-expansions-planning-for-growth-with-carbon-capture-in-mind#0) [Linkedin](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/intelligent-low-ci-expansions-planning-for-growth-with-carbon-capture-in-mind#0) [X](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/intelligent-low-ci-expansions-planning-for-growth-with-carbon-capture-in-mind#0) [YouTube](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/intelligent-low-ci-expansions-planning-for-growth-with-carbon-capture-in-mind#0) [Medium](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/intelligent-low-ci-expansions-planning-for-growth-with-carbon-capture-in-mind#0) 3 min read # Intelligent Low-CI Expansions: Planning for Growth With Carbon Capture in Mind [![Picture of Neal Jakel](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/hubfs/Neal%20Jakel%20-%20Under%205MB.jpg) Neal Jakel](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/author/neal-jakel) : Dec 31, 2025 8:12:54 AM [Blog](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/tag/blog) ![Intelligent Low-CI Expansions: Planning for Growth With Carbon Capture in Mind](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/hubfs/wood-river-cc-pipe-clean.jpg) Intelligent Low-CI Expansions: Planning for Growth With Carbon Capture in Mind 5:47 In today’s ethanol landscape, expanding production isn’t just about adding capacity—it’s about expanding smarter. With strong regulatory support, rising demand for low-CI fuels, and an expanding market for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) feedstocks, producers are increasingly looking for ways to scale efficiently while significantly reducing Carbon Intensity (CI). Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is one of the most effective ways to achieve that goal. For producers ready to play in the low-CI ethanol market, now is the time not only to sequester and expand, but also to design your expansion around carbon reduction from the start, and that means working with a partner that has done it before. At Fluid Quip Technologies (FQT), we’ve engineered one of the world’s lowest CI ethanol facilities in the world—purposely designed to supply SAF. We’ve helped many producers around the world lower their CI through intelligent expansions and integrated technologies. **Why Pair Expansion with Carbon Sequestration?** Expanding your ethanol production while incorporating CCS creates a direct path to long-term profitability and market access. With the policy landscape now clearly defined—including 45Q for carbon sequestration, state-level programs like LCFS, and the upcoming federal 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, the case for building low-CI production capacity is stronger than ever. Each of these programs reward reductions in CI, beyond the traditional energy savings, and when strategically layered, they offer significant financial upside for producers who invest in carbon-smart infrastructure today. If you’re planning to capture and sequester CO2, you’re entering the low-CI market, and in that space, the value of your ethanol is directly tied to how low your CI score goes. Whether you’re monetizing through credits or positioning your product as a feedstock for SAF, your return is determined by your CI. This is where Fluid Quip Technologies stands apart. We’re not just expansion experts, we’re low-CI expansion experts. Our engineering team understands how to design and integrate systems that significantly lower CI, protect your existing operations and position your facility to maximize every revenue opportunity. **Key Considerations for Low-CI Expansions** FQT has supported numerous ethanol producers in planning and executing expansions that prioritize energy efficiency, emissions reduction and long-term flexibility. Here’s how we look at it: **1. Energy Use and Distillation Efficiency** Distillation remains one of the most energy-intensive processes in ethanol production. Our Low Energy Distillation™ (LED™) systems address these by eliminating the need for direct-inject steam and significantly reducing natural gas consumption. LED works across both vacuum and pressure systems and delivers a meaningful CI reduction which is essential for any low-carbon expansion. **2. CCS-Ready Infrastructure** When planning a low-CI expansion, infrastructure decisions made early in the process can have long-term financial and operational impacts. A successful expansion must account for the demands of carbon capture and sequestration—whether you’re planning for on-site storage or pipeline-based transport.  Without a clear plan, these needs can quickly become expensive retrofits. Working with a team focused on future-ready design helps ensure these elements are addressed upfront to avoid unnecessary costs later and position you to get the full value of every ton of carbon sequestered. **3. System Integration and Optimization** Most ethanol plants already operate with a blend of old and new systems. Our job is to evaluate what’s in place and optimize it with the right mix of ours or others proven low-CI technologies and solutions: - **DCO™** for energy reduction and increased oil yield - **Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR)** for steam reduction and energy reuse **[*Read more about how MVR integration can help reduce CI*](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/why-consider-an-mvr-for-your-ethanol-plant/)** - **Electrification **utilizing low-CI electricity and converting unit operations from natural gas to electric - **Combined Heat & Power (CHP)** and anaerobic digestion for energy recovery Rather than bolt-on additions, we focus on seamless integration that increases your uptime and enhances overall performance. **Growing Demand for Low-CI Ethanol** The demand for low-CI ethanol is growing rapidly, not just for blending, but as a critical feedstock for Sustainable Aviation Fuel. If you’re supplying or planning to supply ethanol into the SAF market, achieving the lowest possible CI is essential. **The Bottom Line** The opportunity to expand production and lower-CI can provide significant benefits to a facility’s bottom-line.  Whether you’re targeting carbon credits, entering the SAF market, or simply looking to improve operational efficiency, the right technology and design approach make all the difference. If you’re going to sequester carbon, the stakes are high. You’re playing in the low-CI market, so you’ll need a partner who can deliver the lowest-CI ethanol.  Our low-CI ethanol facility designs offer CI reductions up to 15 points below industry averages.  We can be the partner that delivers on all facets of an expansion.  We will help you get the most value from every gallon you produce. **Talk to FQT About Your Low-CI Expansion** Our team has the expertise to design and execute intelligent expansions that reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and deliver long-term value. Let’s build a future-ready plant that’s optimized for today’s low-carbon economy—and tomorrow’s opportunities. **Contact us today to get started.** - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Driving Product Diversity](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/hubfs/EPM%20Web%20Header.jpg)](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/driving-product-diversity) #### [Driving Product Diversity](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/driving-product-diversity) [Fluid Quip Technologies](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/author/fluid-quip-technologies) : Nov 6, 2025 8:00:00 AM Ever since startup in 1996 with a 15 MMgy capacity, diversification has been Chippewa Valley Ethanol Co.’s modus operandi, according to Chad Friese,... [Blog](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/tag/blog) [Read More](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/driving-product-diversity) [![Why Consider an MVR for your Ethanol Plant](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/hubfs/MVR2-2.png)](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/why-consider-an-mvr-for-your-ethanol-plant) #### [Why Consider an MVR for your Ethanol Plant](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/why-consider-an-mvr-for-your-ethanol-plant) ![Picture of Aaron Rud](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rud_Aaron_0007.jpg?width=30&name=Rud_Aaron_0007.jpg) [Aaron Rud](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/author/aaron-rud) : Apr 15, 2025 9:30:00 AM In the ethanol industry, efficiency and sustainability are key drivers of success. One technology regaining traction in ethanol plants is Mechanical... [Blog](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/tag/blog) [Read More](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/why-consider-an-mvr-for-your-ethanol-plant) [![Fine-Tuning Fractionation](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/hubfs/EPM%20Web%20Header.jpg)](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/fine-tuning-fractionation) #### [Fine-Tuning Fractionation](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/fine-tuning-fractionation) [Fluid Quip Technologies](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/author/fluid-quip-technologies) : Nov 7, 2025 8:00:00 AM Dry fractionation was the technology du jour some years ago, seen as a way to lower energy costs and survive high feedstock prices, while gaining... [Blog](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/tag/blog) [Read More](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/fine-tuning-fractionation) - [Solutions](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/solutions/) - [Industries](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/industries/) - [Insights & Resources](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom) - [About](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/about/) - [Contact](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/contact/) [![FQ Tech_Logo_color_RGB](https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/hubfs/FQ%20Tech_Logo_color_RGB.png)](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com) - [Privacy Statement](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/privacy-statement/) - [Terms of Use](https://fluidquiptechnologies.com/terms-of-use/) © 2026 Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC. [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/fluidquiptech/)[X](https://twitter.com/fluidquiptech)[Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluidquiptechnologies) All contents are to be considered confidential and proprietary work product of FQT. All rights reserved.** Maximized Stillage Co-Products™, MSC™, Still Pro 50™, MSC LTE™, SGT Selective Grind Technology™, SGT™, FBP Fiber By-Pass System™, FBP™, BOS Brix Oil Separation™, BOS™, CST Clean Sugar Technology™, CST™, WFS Wet Fractionation System™, Wet Frac™, WFS™, WFS Flex Plant™, TSC Thin Stillage Clarification™, TSC™, Fluid Quip Technologies™, and FQT™ are all trademarks of Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC.  All rights reserved.  **MSC™:  U.S. Patents: 8,778,433, 8,813,973, 9,066,531, 9,963,671, 10,160,932, 10,190,076, 10,233,404, 10,266,790, 10,519,398, 10,800,994, 10,875,889, 10,926,267, 10,995,346, 11,220,663, 11,230,504, 11,427,784, 11,603,507 and EP 2410869 and Canada: 2,763,476. Wet Frac™/BOS**™**: U.S. Patent: 9,732,302, China: ZL201180065801.0, and Europe: 2,646,164. CST™: U.S. Patents: 9,777,303, 10,119,157, 10,480,038, 10,995,351, 11,034,987, 11,053,557, 11,447,806, 11,505,838, 11,519,013, 11,597,955, Brazil: BR102019004535-3 and EP 3121258. SGT™/FBP™: U.S. Patents: 9,012,191, 9,689,003, Canada: 2,831,268, and China: ZL201280023265.2. Distillation: U.S. Patents: 10,118,107, 10,392,590. TSC™ and WFS Flex Plant™: Patent Pending.  And other pending U.S. and/or foreign applications on these and/or other FQT technologies. Return to top ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Neal Jakel", "url" : "https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/author/neal-jakel" }, "dateModified" : "2025-12-31T19:34:49.487Z", "datePublished" : "2025-12-31T14:12:54.000Z", "headline" : "Intelligent Low-CI Expansions: Planning for Growth With Carbon Capture in Mind", "image" : [ "https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/hubfs/wood-river-cc-pipe-clean.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/en/newsroom/intelligent-low-ci-expansions-planning-for-growth-with-carbon-capture-in-mind", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://info.fluidquiptechnologies.com/hubfs/fqt-logo-small.jpg" } } } ```