A Colorado-based biodiesel maker has received a $5 million grant from the State of California to expand its biorefinery in that state. Crimson Renewable Energy LP was awarded the money from the California Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP) to support expansion of its Bakersfield biorefinery.
The Energy Commission said its solicitation was designed to provide funding for the development of commercial–scale biofuels production facilities in California that can sustainably produce at least 15 million gallons per year of low carbon transportation fuels.
“As the landmark Low Carbon Fuel Standard continues to foster the adoption of lower carbon, more environmentally friendly alternative fuels such as biodiesel at California’s major fuel terminals, we have sought to expand our production of ultra-low carbon renewable transportation fuel to meet that demand,” said Harry Simpson, President of Crimson Renewable Energy. “The funding and vote of confidence provided by the California Energy Commission will facilitate more rapid expansion of plant capacity at Crimson’s Bakersfield biodiesel plant – dramatically increasing production of ultra–low carbon biodiesel and enhancing the company’s sustainability.” Crimson has already completed certain portions of its engineering and design work, and has begun the process for obtaining all necessary permits and procuring equipment.
“The Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuels and Vehicle Technology Program invests up to $100 million a year in innovative projects such as these, which are transforming our fuels markets and helping to meet California’s clean air and climate goals,” said Randy Roesser, Deputy Director of the Energy Commission’s Fuels and Transportation Division. “With the expansion of its Bakersfield biorefinery, Crimson is poised to become the state’s largest producer of sustainably produced, low–carbon biodiesel, which will have 85 percent lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventionally produced diesel.”
Crimson will begin construction this spring and hopes to complete the expansion in about a year.