Our Contributions
RICHARD began our first ever Renewable Fuels project in 2008. Since that time, we have executed numerous Renewable Fuels projects ranging from conceptual design only to complete EPC project execution. Our experience includes 100% grass roots facilities, new plants integrated into existing refineries, and modifications to existing refineries to produce Renewable Fuels.
RICHARD has been the industry leader in the engineering, design, and construction of the largest Renewable Diesel projects in the US to date. We continue to develop and grow the Renewable Fuels business segment. Our extensive industrial experience in regards to pretreatment, hydro-processing, railcar loading/unloading, power distribution, modular electrical buildings, and modular process design makes this marketplace a perfect fit for our capabilities.
Renewable Diesel Fuel
To date, the majority of the Renewable Fuels production in the US has been targeted at Renewable Diesel Fuel. The Renewable Diesel Fuel is being utilized as a 100% “drop in” replacement for crude oil derived Diesel. Primary feedstocks utilized to produce the Renewable Diesel have been distillers corn oil, soybean oil, animal tallow, recycled cooking oil, & palm oil. The feedstocks must be processed via a pretreatment process then modified by a Hydrotreating process. The production of Renewable Diesel is funded through a Federal government (BTC) Blenders Tax Credit, along with incentives in California and various states. Prior to the implementation of the LCFS and RFS there was little economic benefit from the production of Renewable Fuel. Renewable fuels plants are typically located close to the feed source or end user to minimize transportation cost.
Next Steps
The next step in Renewable fuels has been targeted at the production of SAF Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Legislation was proposed in November 2020 to congress to incorporate into the RFS Renewable Fuels Standard. There has been no committee review of this proposed bill since the introduction 2020. The majority of SAF is sold under long term purchase agreements. The production of the fuel either is in close proximity to the airports or located such that access via pipeline from the refiner to the airports is in place.
Major Pathways to the Production of SAF:
- Conversion of FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) through pretreatment and hydroprocessing.
- (ETJ) Ethanol to Jet fuel. Conversion of Ethanol produced from Corn to Jet Fuel through a gasification process.
