January 11, 2008
Soy-Based biodiesel plant in Missouri begins operation
Missouri's sixth biodiesel plant is now churning out alternative fuel from soy oil.
The Prairie Pride plant came on line near Nevada, about 95 miles south of Kansas City.
Company Vice Chairman Kevin Fischer said the US$90 million plant will produce about 30 million gallons of alternative fuel a year. It is producing now, but full production won't begin until mid-March.
The plant expects to create about 45 jobs.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources says six biodiesel plants are operating in Missouri and seven more are under construction.
An energy bill signed last month by President George W. Bush calls for the country to produce 1 billion gallons of biofuels by 2012.
