Frontier Carbon Solutions, a leading project developer in carbon capture and storage (CCS), has announced forward offtake agreements for its Sweetwater Carbon Storage Hub (SCS Hub). The project is designed to capture, transport, and permanently store more than 400,000 metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide (CO₂) annually, providing a scalable solution to reduce industrial emissions across the US Midwest and Mountain West.
Utilising Union Pacific’s established rail infrastructure, the SCS Hub will transport liquefied CO₂ in insulated railcars to Wyoming for permanent geological sequestration in the Nugget Formation. This innovative approach leverages existing transportation assets and supports the voluntary carbon market (VCM) through the creation of high-quality, engineered carbon removal credits (CDRs). Frontier has already begun pre-drilling activities and plans to complete its first Class VI well by the second quarter of 2025.
“By combining existing rail infrastructure with advanced carbon capture and sequestration technology, the SCS Hub offers a scalable and timely solution to support industrial decarbonisation. This project demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative, high-impact solutions that address critical emissions challenges while creating long-term value for our partners,” said Steven Lowenthal, Co-CEO of Frontier Carbon Solutions.
The SCS Hub employs state-of-the-art liquefaction technology to capture high-purity CO₂ emissions without the use of chemical solvents. The CO₂ will be injected into Wyoming’s Nugget Formation, a geologic reservoir capable of sequestering over 99% of the CO₂ for more than 1,000 years, according to the IPCC Special Report on Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage. EcoEngineers, a consulting and advisory firm, conducted a preliminary life-cycle analysis (LCA) for the project, estimating an efficiency rate of up to 85% in carbon removal. The project aims to generate significant CDR credits annually starting in 2026.
EcoEngineers’ Director of Strategic Development, Steven Lemeshow, highlighted the project’s innovative approach and said, “This project exemplifies innovation in carbon management. By combining proven rail logistics and geological sequestration, Frontier is democratising access to industrial carbon capture and sequestration.”
The Sweetwater Carbon Storage Hub integrates advanced carbon management technologies and partners with consulting and auditing firms to ensure rigorous verification and transparency. The project is also undergoing registration with VCM platforms, including Puro.earth and Gold Standard, to ensure it meets established verification standards, enhancing its credibility and marketability.
The initiative also includes broader community and environmental benefits, such as workforce development programmes, wildlife conservation efforts, and support for local healthcare resources. By integrating sustainability efforts with industrial decarbonisation, the SCS Hub highlights Frontier’s commitment to fostering environmental and economic progress in the regions it serves.
Union Pacific President Beth Whited said, “Rail is the most environmentally responsible way to move freight by land, reducing greenhouse gas emissions up to 75% compared to truck. By leveraging Union Pacific’s Carbon by Rail programme with partners like Frontier, customers have an effective strategy to make a significant environmental impact that didn’t exist in the past.”
