The first large-scale ethanol plant in Texas will hold its grand opening this weekend near Hereford.

Renewable Fuels Association president Bob Dinneen says the opening of plants like White Energy outside of the traditional ethanol producing area of the country is critical to the continued growth of this industry.

“No longer are Midwesterners the only Americans to realize the benefits of renewable fuels,” said Dinneen. “Texas is now moving beyond the petroleum industry towards a more sustainable energy future. Congratulations to White Energy and the people of Texas on beginning production at this new facility and for their commitment to helping set America on a path toward greater energy independence.”

The plant will produce 100 million gallons of ethanol per year and use 36 million bushels of corn and milo per year, almost all of it grown locally.

In addition to this newest plant, White Energy owns and operates two ethanol production plants: a 50-million-gallon plant in Russell, Kansas and a 110-million-gallon plant scheduled to begin operation in 2008 in Plainview, Texas.