Biodiesel plant to open in Grays Harbor County
By Rachel La Corte
Associated Press Writer
HOQUIAM, Wash. (AP) — Thousands of gallons of canola-based biodiesel will flow daily from a new plant here, bringing hope for the economic resurgence of a region that has faced tough times after a decline in the timber industry.
The Imperium Renewables plant, which officially opened earlier this month, will produce 100 million gallons a year by the end of this year, using not only canola, but soy and other crops, company officials say.
Sid Watts, general manager of plant operations for the new Imperium biodiesel plant in Hoquiam, Wash., holds a bottle of biodiesel. The plant will produce 100 million gallons of fuel a year, using not only canola, but soy and other crops.
“Obviously we think it’s the wave of the future,” said Martin Tobias, CEO of Seattle-based Imperium Renewables. “We are adding roughly 30 percent to the United States capacity in one fell swoop.”
Last year, national biodiesel production was 250 million gallons, more than triple the production just the year before, according to the Missouri-based National Biodiesel Board. By the end of the year, that number is expected to climb to between 300 million and 350 million gallons.
Question about biodiesel – I know up here in the cold notheast, people had to keep warmers on their engines if they ran diesel.
Wouldn’t biodiesel solidify at an even higher temp? Is this a fuel that can only be used in warmer parts of the country?
Just asking. I think it is a great idea, but wonder if it is an option where it gets really cold for four months out of the year.
Comment by LuLu — August 30, 2007 @ 6:44 am
Lulu, you are correct. There are problems with it solidifying in very cold weather. But a mix of that and fossil diesel seems to be working. One of the great things about America is the innovation. You can count on that problem being solved as demand for biodiesel grows. Very, very exciting. Between this and hybrids, we should be able to stop dependence on Arab oil.
G
Comment by grimgold — August 30, 2007 @ 9:40 am
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