Biofuel company plans jatropha refinery in Florida

Floridian biofuel start-up Ag-Oil plans to build a $20 million (€14.2 million) pilot-scale biodiesel production facility with the potential to produce 15 million gallons a year on Delray Beach.

The biorefinery will use a patented technology to convert jatropha seeds, algae and related by-products into biodiesel fuel.

The company, the recipient of a $2.5 million state renewable energy grant, expects to complete and bring the plant online in 2011.

‘Ag-Oil is working with South County farmers to grow the jatropha and mechanically harvest it,’ said CEO Teri Gevinson.