Tyson and Syntroleum have also approved the project budget of $138 million. Construction of the plant is expected to begin in October, and mechanical completion is expected by the end of 2009. Once in operation, the plant is expected to produce about 75 million gallons of renewable synthetic fuel per year.
According to Dynamic Fuels, this will offer the same benefits as synthetic fuels derived from coal or natural gas while providing substantial performance and environmental advantages over petroleum-based fuels. In addition, replacing traditional petroleum fuel substantially reduces total greenhouse gas emissions.
Unlike the ethanol and bio-diesel industries, which use food ingredients such as corn and soybeans, the Geismar project will use various non-food grade animal fats produced or procured by Tyson Foods, such as beef tallow, pork lard, chicken fat and greases.
