E-Methanol Made from Corn - Fueling Tomorrow’s Races

July 23, 2026

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by Jeff Bonar* (CapCO₂ Solutions for Advanced Biofuels USA) The Midwest has a unique opportunity for methanol made from corn to be powering tomorrow’s races from sprint tracks to drag strips. Methanol is already fueling racecars, why not produce it in the heartland and make it green? Now is the chance to be doing so alongside the ethanol industry. All while taking major steps forward in next generation biofuels.

CapCO2 Solutions expects and is planning for production of e-methanol for these types of markets in 2027.

The wasted CO₂ at ethanol plants can be upgraded on-site to low-carbon methanol – CH3OH.

There is an opportunity, particularly for CO₂ that comes from biogenic sources like ethanol, manure treatment, and wastewater treatment plants, to be upgraded to biofuels like e-methanol and even Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Ethanol plants are a hot opportunity: not only can they utilize their CO₂ waste instead of throwing it away, but they can also generate new revenues from climate-friendly products while increasing the value of their ethanol. Low-carbon methanol, also known as e-methanol, is a net-zero fuel that is already in wide demand worldwide.

CapCO₂'s e-methanol is chemically identical to conventional methanol—the molecule itself is exactly the same.

The difference lies in how it is made. Instead of relying on fossil resources, CapCO₂ produces e-methanol using captured biogenic CO₂ and low-carbon hydrogen powered by renewable electricity. The result is a drop-in replacement that delivers the same performance expected by customers while dramatically reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.

And – the key for the Midwest – by leveraging the abundant and very pure ethanol CO2 waste, e-methanol can be produced for a lower cost.

When the engines roar, e-methanol is ready to go.

CapCO₂'s e-methanol meets high purity standards, exceeding 99.85%, with water content below 1,000 ppm through tightly controlled production and quality assurance processes. Independent third-party lifecycle analysis has estimated a preliminary carbon intensity (CI Score) of 17.94 gCO₂e/MJ, positioning the fuel as a low-carbon alternative ideal for applications ranging from motorsports to marine fuel and chemical manufacturing.

*CapCO2 Solutions e-methanol could one day fuel this race car.*

Several companies are advancing the CO₂ to e-methanol utilization pathway. CapCO₂ Solutions integrates on-site methanol synthesis at ethanol plants using CO₂ and renewable energy, without using eminent domain or controversial pipelines. The resulting e-methanol can enter a variety of markets like racing fuels, as well as maritime fuels and products like biodegradable plastics. CO₂ liabilities are transformed into lower CI scores while expanding rural manufacturing output.

CapCO₂ Solutions’ first e-methanol facility

The site of CapCO₂ Solutions’ first e-methanol facility is at the AgriEnergy ethanol plant in Luverne, Minnesota. Detailed design is complete, permits and construction are in process. Production is expected in 2027.

CapCO₂ Solutions deploys innovative, patented, modular equipment that scales up on-site without the expense, mulit-acre footprint, or complexity of conventional methanol plants.

E-methanol can be used in a variety of products from rigid plastics to shipping fuel, from cosmetics to racing fuel.

Much of the world is moving to replace conventional shipping fuels with e-methanol. The Midwest, with extensive waste biogenic CO2, has a prime opportunity to supply the demand.

The full commercial supply chain

CapCO2 Solutions is in discussions to create the full commercial supply chain: ethanol plants to host e-methanol production, and then to put that e-methanol to work in engines at racetracks and beyond.

The Midwest’s ethanol sector is more than a legacy fuel asset. It is a platform on which a next generation manufacturing economy can be built and can power races all the way to the finish line.

Each ton of CO₂ utilized represents confidence in a future where rural innovation drives both economic strength and environmental renewal — a renaissance of rural America.

From the green flag to the checkered flag - e-methanol made from corn provides opportunity. READ MORE

*Jeff Bonar, PhD, CapCO2 Solutions CEO

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