Crimson Renewable Energy unveils upgraded biodiesel plant

Crimson Renewable Energy has completed the expansion of its ultra-low carbon biodiesel production facility that the company hopes will lead to a tripling of production.

The multi-million dollar plant upgrade was partially funded by a matching grant from the California Energy Commission’s Alternative Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program.

The upgrades included expansion of steam and other existing systems as well as the installation of new second generation systems, which will enable the plant to reduce unit energy consumption and water consumption by 10-15%.

The plant is now ramping up to its new full production level of 24 million gallons annually of ultra-low carbon biodiesel fuel made entirely from used cooking oils and other inedible raw materials.

“Our current production level generates carbon reductions that are equivalent to taking 43,000 cars off California roads, and as we ramp up, this will be like removing 55,500 cars,” said Harry Simpson, Crimson’s president and CEO.

A number of top state and local officials attended the plant’s unveiling event and toured the facility.

“Transitioning to cleaner, low carbon fuels is a key component for California to achieve our greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, improve our air quality and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels,” said Commissioner Janea A. Scott of the California Energy Commission.

“The Energy Commission is pleased to invest in projects like Crimson Renewable Energy’s biofuels project that will produce some 24 million gallons of low carbon fuel annually.”

High-ranking officials from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) were also on hand to participate in the event.

“The advanced biofuels being developed right here in Kern County clearly demonstrate the viability and promise of California’s emissions reduction programme,” said Dean Florez, a CARB board member.

“The expansion of Crimson’s operation is not only an example of green business growth, but it also shows how the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and other policies are effectively addressing climate change and protecting public health by improving air quality in a very tangible way," he added.