REG completes upgrades on Iowa biorefinery

Renewable Energy Group (REG) has completed upgrades to its 30 million gallon biorefinery in Newton, Iowa, US.

The plant can now produce an even higher purity biomass-based diesel from a variety of raw materials.

REG started work on the $13.2 million (€11 million) project in February and completed it in November, four months ahead of schedule and on budget.

A further $2.6 million was invested to expand storage capacity by 2 million gallons and improve logistics, for a total investment of $15.8 million.

The upgraded process, including distillation, removes impurities and creates a pure form of biomass-based diesel. The final product exceeds industry quality standards and meets REG's rigorous REG-9000 specifications.

'This increased feedstock flexibility drives demand for local feedstock suppliers, enabling them to keep their products in the region,' says Brad Albin, VP of manufacturing, REG.