Governor Edward Rendell launched the grand opening of the East Coast's first biodiesel injection blending facility owned by Independence BioFuels, Inc, a wholesale distributor of biofuels, located at the Petroleum Products Corporation terminal in Highspire, PA
HIGHSPIRE, Pennsylvania — Governor Edward Rendell launched the grand opening of the East Coast's first biodiesel injection blending facility owned by Independence BioFuels, Inc, a wholesale distributor of biofuels, located at the Petroleum Products Corporation terminal in Highspire, PA.
Biofuel, the product offering of Independence BioFuels, Inc. (IBF), is defined as a renewable fuel for diesel engines or heating systems that is derived from natural vegetable oils or animal fats, which also meets the ASTM D 6751 standard for fuel. Created by a process that removes glycerin, biofuel combines with any petroleum product in order to create a biofuel blend. It operates in diesel vehicles or heating systems with little or no modifications made unto the machinery. As a clean, renewable product, biofuel builds energy freedom and creates less reliance on non-US economies by utilizing domestic feedstock, like soy, to supply energy needs.
"This is a milestone for Pennsylvania as we continue to provide cleaner, sustainable energy for our Commonwealth, and fulfills a need for energy security in our country," noted Brian Gerhart, IBF Chief Operating Officer.
Today, an audience of state and local officials attended in support of the renewable energy efforts made by IBF, and Governor Rendell began today's event by announcing the delivery of the first load of injection blended B5 bioheat (5% pure biofuel 95% heating oil), which was fueled into a tractor-trailer belonging to one of the first IBF customers--Bernville Quality Fuels of Reading.
"This exciting project shows our commitment to making Pennsylvania the leader in America's energy debate," Governor Rendell said. "We're investing in innovative, clean and affordable fuel alternatives and creating new jobs for our hard-working men and women. Independence BioFuels' injection-blending facility will significantly help our country find renewable, sustainable and cleaner energy technology.
The 2004 Harvest Grant that was awarded by the PA Department of Environmental Protection as well as a grant awarded by the PA Soybean Board funded the IBF facility--both given in order to construct and implement the distribution of renewable energy in PA.
Independence BioFuels, Inc. makes a biodiesel injection blending facility available for petroleum distributors. When injection blended, petroleum and biofuel will combine into one product in the pipeline before reaching the transport vehicle at the terminal. The Independence BioFuels' facility currently offers soy-based biofuel blends from 2% through 20% for diesel, heating oil and kerosene. Because no biofuel refineries currently exist in PA, this facility is the only point of biofuel distribution in the state, and the implementation of this facility will help to continue developing PA's renewable energy market, and improves the logistics for local distributors who are interested in providing biofuel.
Source: Business Wire, Independence BioFuels, Inc.
