GEISMAR, La. — Tyson Foods and Syntroleum Corporation have given final approval for plans to build a $138 million renewable synthetic fuels facility in Geismar, La.
The facility, Dynamic Fuels, is a 50:50 venture between Tyson and Syntroleum to convert low grade, inedible fats and greases into renewable transportation fuels.
Capital funding includes $100 million in GO Zone Bonds previously approved by the Louisiana State Bond Commission.
Construction is expected to begin in October, and mechanical completion of the plant is expected by year end 2009.
The Dynamic Fuels project will use various nonfood grade animal fats produced or procured by Tyson Foods, such as beef tallow, pork lard, chicken fat and greases.
“Tyson is committed to producing next-generation renewable fuels using non-food grade feedstocks, and the Dynamic Fuels venture is an important part of this corporate objective,” said Jeff Webster, senior vice president of Tyson’s Renewable Products Division.
Once in operation, the Geismar plant is expected to produce about 75 million gallons of renewable synthetic fuel annually. The fuel will also include higher cetane levels, which are a measure of combustion quality, and thermal stability, making it effective for advanced military applications.
