World Energy Biox Biofuels LLC, a 50/50 joint venture between World Energy and Biox, has completed commissioning of its 90 MMgy biodiesel facility in Houston, Texas. The plant was purchased by the JV in summer 2016 and began operating at full capacity in December.

“The commissioning of the Houston facility significantly increases the product we produce, control and distribute,” said Alan Rickard, CEO of Biox. “Strategically located at one of the largest liquid fuels terminals in the U.S., the facility has immediate, cost-efficient logistical access to supply the nation's largest customers. The timing of commissioning is ideal as it coincides with the increase to the U.S. renewable volume obligation for biomass-based diesel for 2017. Given its scale and its access to the key Gulf Coast and East Coast markets, we believe Houston’s production will drive our bottom-line results significantly higher based on the existing pricing fundamentals in the U.S. biodiesel market.”

World Energy Biox Biofuels operates two 45 MMgy production trains that combine to provide a nameplate capacity of 90 MMgy. It uses crude degummed-grade vegetable oils as its biodiesel feedstock. The facility was acquired in June from Kinder Morgan. It is located within the Kinder Morgan Liquids terminal, a major diesel distribution hub in the southern U.S. market. The strategic location provides immediate access to a deep-water port, rail, truck and pipeline providing distribution to all major U.S. markets.