Blue Sun Proposes $42M Combined Jatropha Biodiesel and Synthetic Diesel Project

14 September 2007

Colorado-based Blue Sun Biodiesel is proposing a $42 million, four-year Jatropha biodiesel and synthetic diesel project to the US Department of Energy (DOE).

The proposal is in response to a $200 million DOE request for proposals to demonstrate the commercial viability of an integrated biofuels refinery utilizing non-food based cellulosic feedstocks. (Earlier post.)

If funded, the project will capitalize on an innovative approach to utilize domestically produced Jatropha feedstock grown in southern Texas. The farm will be co-located with a biorefinery with a leading-edge biomass thermochemical processing system.

The fully integrated development will generate all of its own electricity and heat, producing 100% renewable biodiesel and synthetic diesel fuel (syndiesel). The biorefinery will be self-sufficient, consume zero-fossil-fuels, and will be carbon-neutral, according to Blue Sun. Blue Sun is teaming with Global Clean Energy Holdings, Community Power Corporation , and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory on this project proposal.