Diamond Green Diesel, the 160 MMgy renewable diesel facility in Norco, Louisiana, is expanding production to 275 MMgy, announced Darling Ingredients Inc. in April. Diamond Green Diesel is a joint venture between Darling and Valero Energy Corp.

According to Darling, the incremental cost per gallon of renewable diesel production for the expansion is estimated to be half the greenfield construction costs due to significant logistics and processing facilities already in place.

“Our Diamond Green Diesel joint venture continues to be a shining star in our portfolio of ingredients and our team has successfully proven the technology works, producing the highest quality product to meet the expectations of our customers,” said Randall C. Stuewe, chairman and CEO of Darling Ingredients.

The project will be funded by Diamond Green Diesel cash flow, subject to final engineering and cost analysis. Completion is expected late 2017, with production to ramp-up in early 2018. The plant plans to operate at full capacity throughout the expansion phase, excluding up to 30 days of downtime for final tie-ins. 

The planned expansion will also include expanded outbound logistics for servicing the many developing low-carbon fuel markets in North America and globally.