REG completes upgrade of Danville Biorefinery

Renewable Energy Group (REG) has marked the completion of US$34.5 million in upgrades and enhancements of its Danville biorefinery in Illinois (U.S.).

The upgrades include the addition of biodiesel distillation and other manufacturing upgrades, which will allow the 45 million gallon nameplate capacity biorefinery to use a wider array of lower carbon intensity feedstocks. The project also included logistical improvements such as an additional truck loadout, new warehouse and office space, and the acquisition and integration of approximately 13 million gallons of biofuel and feedstock storage from the neighboring Bunge facility, which will significantly improve year-round production and storage capabilities at REG Danville and within REG’s logistics system. Additionally, REG acquired property surrounding the plant complex to increase its footprint from 8 acres to nearly 30.

Area civic and business leaders and contractors involved in the project joined REG leadership and staff for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Among the speakers was Illinois Congressman John Shimkus, a senior member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee and long-time biodiesel advocate.

REG acquired the Danville biorefinery in 2010 from Blackhawk Biofuels, LLC. It is one of the company’s 11 biomass-based diesel refineries across the U.S. that have a combined nameplate production capacity of 452 million gallons annually.

Daniel Oh, REG President and CEO, said:

“This is a culmination of more than two years of work not just within REG, but also with our contractors, our longtime lending partner Fifth Third Bank, the city of Danville, Vermillion County, and local residents. We now have a stronger REG Danville that can produce high quality, lower carbon intensity biofuel from a wider variety of crude raw materials in a part of the country where they are abundant.”

Shimkus stated: 

“Biodiesel adds value to the economy and it helps improve the environment, supports jobs throughout the supply chain and strengthens our energy security.”