As we were thinking about the cover of the Summer Issue of Biodiesel Magazine, we didn't envision the wintry image that we ended up with, but it was such a compelling story and cool photo that we ultimately decided that it was our winner.  It represents our page-16 feature, “Jumping at the Chance,” which details the opportunity, driving force, strategy behind and ultimate result of an oil refinery-to-renewable diesel conversion in Come By Chance, Newfoundland, Canada. In the story, Associate Editor Katie Schroeder interviews majority stake owner Cresta Fund Management’s Chris Rozzell, as well as Todd O’Malley, CEO of Braya Renewable Fuels, the owner and operator of the refinery. Both speak of the allure of the project, challenges faced during the conversion process, the state of the current marketplace, near-term goals and priorities of the facility, as well as future ambitions. The project was quite an undertaking and the owners are proud of what they’ve done, eager to show the industry. Says O’Malley, “The main goal the end of the day is to be a leader, and I think a blueprint for future facilities around the world.”

That summery image you’re looking for will appear as the lead image for our page-20 feature, “Pacific Pioneer,” another producer-focused feature. Sunflower crops are just one of the many components of Pacific Biodiesel, Hawaii’s lone biodiesel producer. Though the company is solely focused on its operations in the island state, it has actually designed and constructed 13 biodiesel plants across the U.S. and Japan. It has been about four years since we lasted visited with the company, but this time we chat with cofounder Kelly King, who tells contributing writer Keith Loria her version of the journey Pacific Biodiesel has embarked on since 1995, and how she and husband Bob King have gotten to where they are now, which is laser-focused on zero waste, innovation, community-based agriculture and energy, and running a full-circle system. As I mentioned above, one part of that is farming sunflowers and other biofuel crops on Maui, which they began doing in 2017. She has some updates on new projects they’re involved in, and adds that though at one time they expected to be retired by now, they actually hope to build another refinery on the island.

Finally, it has been quite a few years since we’ve conducted an industry jobs and salary survey, and the results of our most recent one are on page 28. While we don’t separate the data by specific position (yet), overall, we’re confident of the picture this paints of the industry in terms of job satisfaction, benefits and other aspects.

When this article is published, the Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel Summit will be just around the corner. Colocated with the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo in Minneapolis from June 10-12, we have a full agenda that we’re confident will not disappoint. Learn more or register at few.bbiconferences.com.

Author: Anna Simet 
Editor, Biodiesel Magazine