Broadwing Energy Centre

Executive Overview

Broadwing Energy Centre is a 400 MW natural gas-fired cogeneration project under development in Decatur, Illinois, at Archer Daniels Midland's (ADM) existing industrial facility. Developed by Low Carbon Infrastructure (LCI), the plant is designed to generate electricity and process steam — up to 1.5 million pounds per hour by end of 2029 — while capturing and permanently storing more than 90% of its CO₂ emissions. Google has committed to purchasing the majority of the power generated, making this the first U.S. commercial-scale gas-fired plant to pair combined heat and power with integrated carbon capture and storage. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with full commercial operation targeted for early 2030.

How It Works & Differentiation

The plant uses a single Mitsubishi Power M501JAC gas turbine paired with a post-combustion amine absorption system to capture CO₂ from exhaust gases before atmospheric release. Captured CO₂ is compressed and injected into EPA-approved Class VI sequestration wells more than a mile underground at ADM's adjacent facility, which has safely stored over 4 million metric tons of CO₂ to date. This differentiates the project from conventional gas generation by integrating CCS directly into a commercial-scale combined heat and power plant rather than as a retrofit or pilot. The combination of proven capture technology, established underground storage infrastructure, and co-located industrial steam demand makes the project both technically and economically distinct.

Commercialization & Traction

Google has signed a long-term power purchase agreement as the primary offtaker, providing a stable revenue foundation and validating the commercial model for CCS-equipped power plants. Broadwing is the first in an intended series of projects developed through a long-term collaboration between Google and LCI for additional CCS facilities across the United States. Construction is projected to create approximately 750 full-time jobs over the 2026–2030 build period, with dozens of permanent positions once operational. The project qualifies for the 45Q tax credit, currently set at $85 per metric ton for CCS projects commencing construction before 2033.

Scalability & Strategic Context

ADM's nearly decade-long track record of regulated CO₂ storage at the Decatur site reduces geological and permitting risk relative to greenfield CCS developments. The project is structured as a replicable model, with LCI and Google explicitly framing Broadwing as the proof-of-concept for subsequent facilities. Natural gas with CCS has been identified as a competitive option for firm, low-carbon power, and the Broadwing project is designed to demonstrate that viability at commercial scale. Success here would provide the operational data and investor confidence needed to accelerate subsequent LCI-Google deployments.