Vireol Bio Energy LLC has selected Murex LLC as its marketing partner for the bioethanol plant in Hopewell, Va. Vireol recently announced their plans to bring the 63 million gallon per year ethanol plant in Hopewell online in April of 2014. Vireol originally planned to transfer the plant to the U.K., but decided to take advantage of the more focused legislative environment and more mature U.S. market.

Peter McGenity, CEO of VBE said, "We are delighted to advise that with the support of Governor McAuliffe's office and the City of Hopewell, we will be starting production of renewable ethanol this month.

"After reviewing our original strategy to relocate the plant to U.K., we are pleased to emphasize our commitment to all of our stakeholders based on starting up one of the world's most modern ethanol plants here in Hopewell,” McGenity continued.

"The Hopewell, Virginia ethanol plant is in a unique position in the ethanol market, and Murex is looking forward to partnering with Vireol to capitalize on their opportunities," said Robert C. Wright, president of Murex, on the marketing agreement.

Murex, headquartered in Addison, Texas, markets and distributes domestic ethanol, export ethanol, renewable identification numbers (RINs), crude oil and gasoline blendstocks to major oil companies and regional refineries. Murex is the nation's leading ethanol exporter, with an export terminal position that is unmatched in the industry. With over 20 million gallons of dedicated coastal storage capacity, Murex allows U.S. producer's access to South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Far East.