Green Plains Achieves Key Operational Goal with Carbon Capture Milestone

Green Plains Inc. has successfully passed a significant operational threshold, with all three of its Nebraska facilities now capturing and permanently storing biogenic carbon dioxide. Concurrently, the biorefining company has received an initial payment from the crucial 45Z tax credit program. These developments highlight the firm's strategic commitment to low-carbon production.

The financial implications of this operational shift are already materializing. Green Plains has secured a first payment of approximately $14 million for a portion of its 45Z credits related to 2025 production. Additional payments for the remaining credits are anticipated in the first quarter of 2026.

• The 45Z program provides incentives for producing fuels with a low carbon intensity.
• Even prior to the full commissioning of its CCS systems, the company had generated an estimated $26.5 million in value from the program through September 2025.
• The value of the credit per gallon is projected to increase as the carbon intensity of Green Plains' operations is further reduced.

The expected additional payments next year are set to provide enhanced financial flexibility. This focus on cutting carbon intensity strategically positions Green Plains within the expanding renewable energy market.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Green Plains?

Operational Details and Executive Commentary

The milestone, announced on Monday, involves the company's facilities located in Central City, Wood River, and York. Captured CO₂ is being transported via the Tallgrass Trailblazer pipeline to a sequestration site in Wyoming.

For Chief Executive Officer Chris Osowski, this achievement represents a major success, demonstrating that large-scale industrial carbon capture and storage is a viable reality.

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Market Reaction

The company is scheduled to release its next quarterly financial results on February 6, 2026. Investor response to the recent announcements has been favorable. Green Plains shares closed at $9.94, reflecting positive sentiment following the news.