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Renewable Energy Group Markets Biodiesel
US - According to the Farm&Ranch Guide, an Ames, Iowa, company is leading the biodiesel industry by marketing more biodiesel than anyone else in the United States.Renewable Energy Group, Inc. is a market leader in production and sales of biodiesel.
The full-service biodiesel company just announced they have partnered with Blackhawk Biofuels, LLC to develop a 45-million-gallon biodiesel production facility.
The facility is located near Danville, Ill., about 175 miles south of Chicago. The location is considered favorable for supplying biodiesel to the eastern United States as well as the Midwest.
Bunge North America owns a soybean crushing plant adjacent to the facility.
“Renewable Energy Group, Inc. is proud to partner with Blackhawk Biofuels on the purchase and management of this facility,” said REG President Nile Ramsbottom. “The opportunity to add production capacity for high quality biodiesel from the Blackhawk facility to the REG network is significant.”
Incorporating in 2006, Renewable Energy Group was formerly known as West Central Cooperative, and has been in the biodiesel business since 1996.
Fifth Third Bank will also provide funding. The state of Illinois is providing financial assistance in the form of a state credit.
Biofuels Company of America, LLC, began construction of the biodiesel plant before looking for other interested parties.
“Blackhawk decided to step in and really take their place,” said Ramsbottom.
This is Blackhawk Biofuels' first biodiesel facility.
Algae also holds potential for biodiesel. Algae can be chemically converted into biodiesel and can be raised in areas that are not conducive for row crop production.
“While we want farmers to get a good price for their soybeans, we have to be cognizant of the cost that we have to spend for our fuel,” he said. “We're looking for feedstock to make high quality fuel, but can be economical so our customers can buy our products.
“We don't think it's going to be any one particular answer. We do think it's important to understand the characteristics of all feedstock and turn those into high quality fuel.”
Renewable Energy Group owns one biodiesel plant in Ralston, Iowa, and manages six more under agreements with investors.
Renewable Energy Group was the first biodiesel producer and marketer in the U.S. to announce product specifications for B100 that exceed the ASTM 6751 biodiesel specifications, regardless of feedstock.
Their products exceed ASTM specifications in reduced free and total glycerin levels, a reduced acid number, and reduced free water and sediment levels. Because of their high standards, REG has a market for all of their biodiesel.
“Our involvement with Blackhawk demonstrates our confidence in biodiesel and the future of the fuel,” said Ramsbottom. “We believe it's not only good for today but going to be even better for tomorrow.”
View the Farm&Ranch Guide story by clicking here.
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