Industrial gases firm Messer Group has commenced operations at a new CO2 plant in Keyes, CA, the company announced in a release. The facility is capable of producing up to 450 tn/day of the gas. 

The startup of the Keyes plant comes as leaders of the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) and several major food and beverage trade groups warned the federal government of a potential shortage of carbon dioxide (CO2) created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Keyes plant further enhances our CO2 network reliability for customers,” Messer Americas Chief Executive Officer and President Jens Luehring said in a company release. “This investment solidifies our position in the US market, and it is especially important as the CO2 market faces supply challenges. We’re proud of our experienced team of experts who worked through unusual startup conditions associated with the Corona pandemic to bring this plant on stream.”

CO2 produced at the facility is used in carbonated beverages, chilled and frozen food products, and the electronics industry. The plant will serve customers in Northern California and other areas via rail. 

Messer is sourcing raw CO2 for production at Keyes from an Aemetis Inc. ethanol plant. 

“Aemetis is pleased to be supplying Messer with CO2 rawgas, especially in this time of critical need,” Eric McAfee, chairman and chief executive officer of Aemetis, said in a statement. “It is essential that California’s supply of CO2 remain uninterrupted for these many industries that depend on this important product.”

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