REG to increase renewable diesel capacity of Louisiana biorefinery

Renewable Energy Group (REG) has announced that it plans to undertake an expansion of its existing 90-million gallons per annum renewable diesel refinery in Geismar, Ascension Parish, Louisiana.

The company plans to expand capacity at its Louisiana biorefinery by 250 million gallons to 340 million gallons per annum.

REG noted that the latest announcement follows a ‘thorough review’ and ‘site selection’ process.

REG president and CEO Cynthia (CJ) Warner said: “REG Geismar has proven to be a tremendous asset for our company and is a natural site for increasing production of our lower carbon renewable diesel.

“The state of Louisiana and Ascension Parish have been great partners who encouraged us every step along the way as we developed our expansion plan. They truly understand the broad economic and environmental benefits that renewable fuels provide, and we look forward to our continued partnership with them as we undertake this project.”

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said: “Louisiana is recognised as a global leader in energy.

“That’s an accomplishment we take great pride in, especially as we pursue lower greenhouse gas emissions through our Climate Initiatives Task Force. Attracting investments like REG’s low-carbon project shows Louisiana can be both an energy leader and a climate leader.”

REG anticipates beginning construction of the biorefinery expansion next year and completing the project in late 2023.

The proposed expansion will require a minimum of $825m in capital investment.