GreenHunter Energy Inc inaugurated its state-of-the-art renewable fuels campus and commenced commercial operations of its new biodiesel refinery in Houston TX June 2. With an annual output of 105 million gallons, the biodiesel plant reportedly is the largest in the United States.
GreenHunter Energy's renewable fuels campus is a zero emissions facility composed of four predominate assets: the biodiesel refinery, a 700,000 barrel bulk liquid terminal operation, a 200 million pound per year glycerin distillation system, and a 45,000 barrel-per-month methanol distillation tower. The biodiesel refinery is "feedstock agnostic,” meaning that it can use 100 percent animal fats, 100 percent vegetable oils, or any blend of the two interchangeably. The finished product is of the highest quality biodiesel, more commonly known as water-white biodiesel.
Commenting on the Grand Opening of GreenHunter Energy's renewable fuels campus, Chairman and CEO Gary C Evans stated, "We are very proud of the men and women who have worked tirelessly to create this extraordinary facility. The significance of this event began just twelve months ago when we acquired an underutilized asset at an exceptional value. We then executed on a strategy and business plan that significantly reduced the risk to the company and our shareholders, while at the same time converting this facility into the largest and most versatile biodiesel refinery in the US. But there is more to the story than just building the facility in record time and at below market costs; we have created many new long-term jobs for Texans, and we now have the opportunity to participate in our country's goal of reducing its continued dependence on foreign crude oil supplies."
Texas Governor Rick Perry was the keynote speaker at the inauguration. "Texas plays a significant role in both feeding and fueling the nation, and GreenHunter Energy's biodiesel refinery bolsters this role by providing a necessary alternative to fossil fuels without negatively impacting our food supply,” he said. “The transformation of an old waste-oil refinery into a renewable fuel campus is symbolic of our state's commitment to continually moving towards greater energy independence. This new plant will help put Texas at the forefront of renewable energy production."
Representing the Department of Energy, Acting Deputy Secretary Jeffrey Kupfer said: "While there is currently no 'silver bullet' that will solve the America's energy and environmental challenges today, we know that biofuels are an indispensable component of the solution. Through the substantial investments companies like GreenHunter Energy Inc are making in support of renewable energy, the private sector is helping drive the very innovation this country needs to bring about a new energy future--one that is cleaner, more sustainable, more secure and less reliant on carbon-based fossil fuels."