Texas-based Valero looks to expand, produce cellulosic ethanol at former VeraSun Energy ethanol plant in Hartley, Iowa, working with 'a couple of companies that are developing this technology,' says Valero official

Bdebbie Garcia

LOS ANGELES , August 29, 2011 (Industry Intelligence) – Valero Energy Corp. is looking to expand its ethanol production plant in Hartley, Iowa, possibly to produce cellulosic ethanol, according to a company official, reported KTIV-TV on Aug. 23.

The San Antonio, Texas-based oil giant is working with “a couple of companies that are developing this technology” to produce cellulosic ethanol, said Bill Day, Valero’s executive director for media relations.

Under its expansion plan, Valero would add an eighth fermenter to the Hartley operation, which is one of the plants it bought from Sioux Falls, Iowa-based VeraSun Energy Corp., after it went bankrupt.

That expansion is to be completed by the end of 2011, according to officials, KTIV-TV reported.

Each of several plants Valero bought from VeraSun has seven fermenters, said Day. Another plant near Sioux City that Valero owns is in Albert City, Iowa. The company has 10 ethanol plants in the U.S.

Valero’s ethanol plants have been profitable through this year’s first two quarters, said Day, adding that the company expects its ethanol unit to “keep growing, remain profitable,” reported KTIV-TV.

The primary source of this article is KTIV-TV in Sioux City, Iowa, on Aug. 23, 2011.

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