Aemetis Receives $40M MVR Upgrade with Six 3,500-hp Turbofans, Targets 80% Gas Reduction
AMTX•Aemetis has received key equipment for its $40 million mechanical vapor recompression system at the Keyes ethanol plant, including six 3,500-horsepower electric turbofans. Once operational by end-2026, the upgrade will cut natural gas usage by 80% and boost annual cash flow by $32 million.
1. Equipment Delivery
Aemetis has taken delivery of high-efficiency turbofans and associated components for its $40 million mechanical vapor recompression system at the Keyes, California ethanol plant.
2. Expected Operational Impact
The MVR system uses six 3,500-horsepower electric turbofans to recycle alcohol vapor into steam, slated to reduce natural gas consumption by 80%, lower carbon intensity, and increase annual cash flow by $32 million.
3. Financial Incentives and Grants
The project has secured approximately $19.7 million in grants and tax credits from the California Energy Commission, Pacific Gas & Electric, and the U.S. IRS Section 48C investment tax credit program, plus enhanced Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production tax credits.
4. Plant Operations
Aemetis’s Keyes facility produces 65 million gallons of ethanol per year, generates about 2 million pounds of animal feed daily, and captures over 100,000 tons of CO₂ annually for beverage-grade reuse.
