Whole Energy expands distribution infrastructure into Portland

Whole Energy Fuels Corp., headquartered in Bellingham, Wash., is constructing a new distribution terminal in Portland, Ore. The new terminal will provide convenient service to public fleets, private fleets and regional fuel distribution customers with affordably priced neat biodiesel and fuel blends.

“The new Whole Energy biodiesel terminal is ideally located right in the heart of Northwest Portland, allowing for reduced customer shipping cost and trucking time,” said Atul Deshmane, president of Whole Energy. “Vertical integration of a biodiesel distribution terminal with biodiesel manufacturing, based on sustainably produced recycled cooking oil, will benefit the city of Portland by reducing the climate impact of fuel use.”

Public fleets are continuing to have a difficult time obtaining biodiesel at prices competitive with petroleum diesel fuel. Although regional biodiesel producers have been selling biodiesel at prices competitive with petroleum diesel, biodiesel fuel blenders and distributors have not been able to pass the full benefit of that pricing on to end users. The Whole Energy Portland terminal will reduce the total life-cycle cost of providing biodiesel in a sustainable business model that employs vertical integration of raw materials, manufacturing and distribution. Whole Energy will enable a more transparent market with better end-user pricing.

“This project presents an exciting opportunity for the city of Portland and other regional fleets to access locally made biodiesel right in the heart of the Northwest Portland,” said Deshmane. “We will drive economic growth, employment and sustainability, which will enable more opportunities to all the participants in the Portland market. The city of Portland and the state of Oregon are truly supportive communities for regionally produced biodiesel.”

Whole Energy is a leading provider of biodiesel on the West Coast and serves the largest public fleet in the nation as well as the largest retail provider of diesel in the nation. Whole Energy serves end users from Vancouver, Canada to San Diego and is strengthening its presence in Portland by integrating Oregon operations with Beaver Biodiesel and Oregon Oils. All three businesses are co-located in the same facility creating a new industry template for biorefining and distribution.