SG Preston plans to build a 120 MMgy renewable diesel facility in in Lawrence County, Ohio. The SGP South Point facility, expected to be complete in 2017, will cost $400 million and create 100 permanent jobs, the company stated. Pre-engineering studies are slated to begin next month. The technology employed at the renewable diesel manufacturing plant will be licensed from Honeywell UOP.  Other partners in the project include the Lawrence County Economic Development Council, which is investing 62 acres in land and other incentives. The Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth and Jobs-Ohio were also instrumental in securing the investment and technology.

“For SG Preston, this is an important milestone and part of a larger vision of partnering with leading, global refining technology partners and local communities to develop a portfolio of renewable diesel and renewable jet fuel refineries targeting 1.2 billion gallons per year, or 20 percent of the federal RFS2 biomass-based mandate for biofuels,” said R. Delbert LeTang, CEO of SG Preston. “We see a blue sky opportunity to deliver customized, renewable fuel to government, the petroleum industry and other private users throughout the United States and we look forward to partnering with the people of southern Ohio to build new industries and new economic opportunity.”

Bill Dingus, executive director of Lawrence County Economic Development Council, said, “This project will be of significant economic importance to southern Ohio, bringing long-term employment and income to the region. We look forward to supporting the development of new energy technologies, and passing on the benefits of commerce and cleaner air to local residents.”