LucasE3 HERO Heat Energy Recovery Optimizer
Energy savings and 45Z tax credits.
For 9 Years, our Heat Energy Recovery Optimizer (the HERO system) has been running and saving millions of dollars in reduced energy costs for the ethanol plant. This patented design delivers predictable results and we guarantee its performance. It’s easy, it works, there’s no headaches and it’s a quick payback. Schedule a visit to come see it work.
Dryer Heat Energy Recovery Optimizer (HERO) system
Captures dryer exhaust heat that is often wasted through the stack and then returns a portion of that energy back into other unit operations for reuse. This approach allows plants to recover value from energy that would otherwise be lost, without compromising reliability or throughput. Our first system has been running reliably for over 9-years. If 45Z tax credits are a priority, then the HERO system should be a priority.
Reduce natural Gas Usage and Operating Costs
Lowering natural gas consumption directly translates into reduced operating costs and improved energy efficiency across the facility
Lower CI Score
Reducing natural gas consumption lowers a plant’s CI score. With this, plants with a CI score of 47.5 or less can monetize 45Z production tax credits authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) – through 2029. Tax credit amounts are paid on a per gallon basis. The rate varies from 10 cents per gallon for Tier 1 CI scores, all the way to $1.00 per gallon for CI scores of zero (0). The good news is that incremental tier improvements each pay an additional dime ($0.10) per gallon. So, 100 MGY plants with CI score in Tier 1 can earn $10,000,000 per year through 2029, but achieving Tier 3 CI scores pays twenty cents ($0.20) per gallon, or $20 million per year for a 100 MGY plant. It is THE opportunity of a lifetime for ethanol producers to increase plant efficiency. As a bonus, natural gas cost will also be reduced $2 million per year regardless of what happens to the 45Z tax credit.
45Z Driven Value Creation
Energy reduction is no longer just a natural gas and cost-saving initiative – it is a revenue opportunity. There are several ways to reduce CI scores, but the primary way is by reducing natural gas usage. LucasE3 helps plants protect and enhance their eligibility for 45Z credits through 2029, maximizing credit value as well as increasing ROI on a project.



