SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire
Oilsource Holding, LLC and Greenline Industries, LLC announced today
that they are teaming up to develop the largest biodiesel plant in the
Southeastern United States. A 60 million gallon per year plant is
expected to be commissioned by the first quarter of 2009. The plant
will be located in Miami, Florida, with rail spur access for
distribution within a ninety-mile radius of three of Florida's most
important ports. The project is planned to be completed in three phases
with a vertically integrated business strategy and reaching its target
capacity in the third phase. The estimated $96 million investment will
represent over $1 billion flowing through the economy of Florida.
Felipe Cano, CEO of Oilsource Holdings, commented "Oilsource Holding
has been studying the Sunshine State for the past two years, and we
believe that now is the time to act. Florida has tremendous potential
to become a leading player in the biofuel industry. Our unique strategy
combines an integrated approach to harvest, production and distribution
using marine-based logistics with a multifeedstock process that
prioritizes oil from non-food crops. This will enable us to provide our
customers with a steady biodiesel supply at a competitive price".
Working with Greenline Industries, the production process becomes
modular so we can scale up quickly as demand increases. The execution
of a biodiesel project of this size and caliber from planning to
large-scale production will require the combined efforts of the
community, the local governments, and the industry in general.
"At this time, the Company cannot disclose any additional information
about the project. However, the Company believes that part of the first
step in the project is to educate the community as to the benefits of
using biofuels. The project is a proactive move towards to the green
movement," concluded Mr. Cano.
Biodiesel reduces greenhouse gases emissions by almost 80% and has
lower level of emissions of several air pollutants compared to
traditional diesel, without compromising engine efficiency or
durability. Nevertheless, biofuels made from vegetable oil often
competes with food security in some regions; such is the case of
biodiesel from soybeans or ethanol from corn. Oilsource will use
vegetable oil from non-food crops (like jatropha and waste oil from
restaurants) or those with less impact on the food chain (like palm or
coconut oil). These true "energy-crops" will enable us to achieve
sustainable growth without compromising the wealth of the communities
or the environment.
John Kinney, CEO of Greenline Industries, continued, "last year,
Greenline Industries installed more biodiesel plants than any other
company in the United States. We now enjoy the advantage of a proven,
EPA award-winning technology that doesn't use water so it doesn't need
the waste water treatment expense or permit complications. We know from
our experience that the logistics and market opportunities in Miami are
exceptionally positive".
Steven Karpel, Chief Operating Officer of Oilsource Holding and
BioEnergy, the production subsidiary of the joint venture, states, "The
concept of Biomix was generated by integrating resources in the
Americas, blending different raw materials, cultures, and business
approaches to produce a more environmentally friendly fuel source."
Mr. Karpel added, "I believe that this is a very important development
for the South Florida community. South Florida is ready for an
alternative and most importantly, sustainable fuel source that will
also help protect our environment. Florida depends on its environment
on a number of levels, and I having lived in South Florida almost all
my life, I am looking forward to working with the local governments,
corporations, and media to making this project a success."
"I don't have all the answers. I don't need all the answers right now. All I have to do is solve the problems one at a time. More importantly, I won't be doing it by myself."-- Sean O'Hanlon