Mike Erhart, CEO and general manager of Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy, announced the formation of a partnership with WB Services LLC on May 1, to expand its biofuels footprint by integrating a renewable diesel production facility into the existing ethanol plant.

“With this announcement, Prairie Horizon continues to meet its goal of providing leadership in the renewable fuels industry,” said Erhart. “We are very excited and eager to partner with WB Services and get under construction and put this product in the marketplace.”  

WB Services will design, construct and operate the renewable diesel plant utilizing patented renewable diesel process technology. WB Services is a renewable fuels company recognized for its experience and expertise in plant construction, optimization and management, as well as process development and engineering.

According to Ron Beemiller, president and CEO of WB Services, “This plant will be the first of its kind—the first renewable diesel plant to fully integrate into an existing ethanol operation,” he said. “This is a very exciting time for both Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy and WB Services, we look forward to working with PHAE’s exceptional leadership team on this project.”

Currently, Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy is a 40 MMgy nameplate ethanol plant, which began operations in 2006. With the completion of the facility, renewable diesel nameplate production will be 3 MMgy, and will also produce denaturant, fuel gas, and steam for use at the existing facility. Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy also has a significant investment in the renewable and biodiesel plants under construction by Green Energy Products in Sedgwick, Kan.

Design work has already begun, and construction is scheduled to begin mid-year.