US biofuels producer REG opens centre in Amsterdam

US advanced biofuels producer Renewable Energy Group (REG) has hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the company’s operations centre in Amsterdam.

The team in Amsterdam will support the company’s international operations and work closely with the operations center in Ames, Iowa. 

REG utilises an integrated procurement, distribution, and logistics network to convert natural fats, oils, greases, and sugars into lower carbon intensity products.

With 14 active biorefineries, a feedstock processing facility, research and development capabilities and a diverse and growing intellectual property portfolio, REG is committed to being a long-term leader in bio-based fuel and chemicals

Earlier this month (May 2017), the company announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire approximately 82 acres of land at its Geismar, Louisiana biorefinery from Lion Copolymer. 

REG has agreed to purchase the land it has leased for its Geismar operations, as well as more than 61 adjacent acres, which the company plans to improve and utilize to support existing production capacity and future expansion opportunities.  REG Geismar will pay Lion Copolymer $20 million (€18m) for the acquisition. The lease will be terminated at closing.

The transaction is expected to reduce REG's operating costs and create opportunities for expansion at Geismar, a 75-million gallon annual nameplate capacity renewable hydrocarbon diesel biorefinery that also produces renewable naphtha and renewable liquefied petroleum gas.  

"This acquisition is consistent with REG's tactic of expanding the footprint of its biorefineries in preparation for complementary activities," said Daniel J. Oh, president and CEO. "With the recent increase in production at REG's Geismar site and the growing market demand for renewable hydrocarbon diesel, we believe now is the right time to evaluate capacity expansion opportunities."