CO2 Capture and Farm Water Project
Project Update
The CO2 Capture and Farm Water Project has made significant progress throughout 2025. After grant approval in early 2025, the team designed a comprehensive research framework, confirmed five research sites, and arranged for international interns to support data collection. Critical infrastructure, including CO2 tanks and irrigation system components, was procured, and lease agreements were finalized to ensure timely installation. By August and September, equipment installation began at demonstration sites such as Cantua Ranch and Landbouw C1, and a six-year CO2 offtake agreement was signed to secure commercial viability. Compliance reporting and additional grant applications have supported ongoing research, while strategic planning is underway for full-scale soil sampling, expansion of demonstration sites, and enhanced stakeholder engagement. The project is well-positioned for further growth, with a Technical Advisory Committee nearly complete and new funding opportunities being pursued to scale operations and validate the environmental and economic benefits of carbonic acid irrigation.
The Issue
The CO2 Capture and Farm Water Project is currently progressing smoothly, with no major issues reported by the team. All partners are actively engaged, and key personnel remain unchanged. While there has been a delay in finalizing the engineering contract for the liquefaction plant and consideration of alternate vendors for CO2 storage tanks, these are not causing significant setbacks. Equipment deliveries and research activities are on track, and financials are being managed as planned, with match funding aligned to project milestones. The Technical Advisory Committee is nearly complete, and collaboration among Maas Energy Works, Fresno State, and Eco2Mix continues to be strong. Overall, the project remains on schedule, with only minor challenges related to procurement negotiations and tariffs.
Project Innovation
The CO2 Capture and Farm Water Project, aims to advance sustainable agriculture by capturing biogenic CO2 from dairy manure digesters and using it to create Dissolved CO2 in Irrigation Water (DCIW) for pH control. This innovative approach replaces traditional sulfur-based methods, improving soil health, increasing carbon sequestration, and reducing greenhouse gas and sulfur emissions.
Project Goals
Project Benefits
The CO2 Capture and Farm Water Project offers a range of benefits that address both agricultural and community needs.
Safety
Its consumer appeal lies in providing farmers with a safer, more sustainable alternative to traditional sulfur-based pH control methods, making adoption attractive for those seeking improved crop yields and soil health.
Affordability
By utilizing captured biogenic CO2, the project delivers lower costs compared to CO2 sourced from other industry and makes it a viable competitor to incumbent products on the market.
Environmental Sustainability
The project enhances environmental public health by reducing greenhouse gas and sulfur emissions, improving air quality, and promoting healthier soils.
Safety
Safety is improved by eliminating the need for hazardous acid storage and handling by the farms, while the use of carbonic acid in irrigation water is inherently less risky.
Reliability
Greater reliability is achieved through advanced monitoring and robust equipment, ensuring consistent performance and reduced service visits.
Safety
The project strengthens security by securing long-term CO2 supply agreements and building resilient infrastructure for sustainable agricultural practices.
Key Project Members
Subrecipients
Match Partners
