New biodiesel facility coming to Fairfield, Iowa
A new biodiesel facility is coming to Fairfield, Iowa.
It’s a project 15 months in the works and is called Powershift Biofuels of Iowa.
It’s a joint venture between Refuel America and Powershift Energy Company.
“It’s a 60 million gallon biodiesel facility that will convert raw vegetable oil into biodiesel to be used in the transportation market around the Midwest,” said Dan Leach with NewGen Technologies.
Biodiesel is for use in diesel engines and reportedly improves engine efficiency and reduces harmful emisssions.
“This industry itself is cutting edge in terms of what it’s going to be producing energy from, renewable sources, agricultural fuels. We’re very excited,” said Mayor Ed Malloy.
Those involved said Fairfield is an ideal site because it’s in the heart of a booming agricultural sector in Iowa.
“Fairfield has to do with logistical location in Southeast Iowa with the rail and with the position of raw material markets that are available and the position with our markets that we’re selling our fuel to,” said Leach.
The facility will be located at the old Iowa Malleable Iron Company.
The existing rail lines will be used to import soybean oil to the facility.
This new site is expected to be the largest consumer of soybean oil in the state, and should create about 35 plant jobs and six administrative positions.
“It was part of our ten year plan a couple years ago to add a thousand jobs, so this will add to that. It’ll add to our capital base as well. So really it’s a win, win for the community,” said Malloy.
The biodiesel facility should be complete sometime in the spring or summer of 2007.