Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (REG) is making a $13.2 million improvement to one of its Iowa biodiesel plants. The Ames, Iowa-based biodiesel giant, already the country’s biggest producer of the green fuel, broke ground on the improvements at its Newton biodiesel refinery.
“This investment shows our continuing confidence in biodiesel for the long-term,” said Daniel J. Oh, President and CEO of Renewable Energy Group, Inc. “It furthers our efforts to enhance our lower-cost, multi-feedstock biodiesel business by continuing to broaden our customer base and provide more options for our customers to choose from.”
The upgraded process, including distillation, removes impurities and leaves behind the purest form of the fuel. The final product far exceeds quality standards set by the biodiesel industry, while meeting the company’s more rigorous REG-9000® quality specifications.
“This is a great investment for Newton,” [Iowa Rep. Dan] Kelley said. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the commitment that REG is showing our community. Biodiesel production is important to Iowa. By making biodiesel here in Newton, REG is providing quality jobs while contributing to energy security.”
REG officials added the upgrade allows them to use lower-cost raw materials. REG is already North America’s leading biodiesel producer, with eight active refineries in four states that have a combined nameplate production capacity of 257 million gallons.