Article

Aemetis Inc., a key player in the renewable fuels sector, has taken a significant step toward enhancing the efficiency of its operations with the announcement of a new partnership. The company has entered into an engineering procurement and construction contract with NPL Construction, a subsidiary of Centuri Holdings, to implement a mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) system at its ethanol facility in Keyes, California. This $30 million project is anticipated to be completed by the second quarter of 2026.

The MVR system is poised to revolutionize the facility's energy consumption, projecting a remarkable 80% reduction in natural gas usage. This reduction is expected to yield an incremental annual cash flow of approximately $32 million, driven by energy savings. The project is further bolstered by a substantial financial framework, having secured around $19.7 million in tax credits and grants from the Internal Revenue Service, California Energy Commission, and Pacific Gas and Electric.

Eric McAfee, chairman and CEO of Aemetis, expressed optimism regarding the upgrade, emphasizing its potential to improve operating margins and cash flow while aligning with the company's commitment to reducing emissions from renewable fuels. Similarly, Dylan Hradek, president of Centuri US Gas, highlighted the partnership's alignment with California's clean energy goals, reinforcing their commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

This MVR project is part of Aemetis' multi-faceted strategy to expand its dairy renewable natural gas production, which currently encompasses 18 dairies either in operation or under construction. The recent approval of seven pathways by the California Air Resources Board further underscores the company's forward-looking approach.

As the MVR system is integrated into the Keyes facility, Aemetis stands to benefit from regulatory trends such as rising Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credit prices and the anticipated adoption of E15 ethanol blends in California. This initiative not only enhances the efficiency of their ethanol operations but also positions Aemetis to capture value from evolving market dynamics, reinforcing its role as a leader in renewable energy innovation.