We are so glad that Greenlight Biofuels chose Laurens County, specifically Clinton, for its new operation. Erik Lytikainen, VP for Development and the lead man for Greenlight here in SC, has been great to work with and we are thankful that he and Greenlight decided to locate in Laurens County. I envision the day when all of the County vehicles will be burning biodiesel fuels. Here is a link to Greenlight's website: http://www.glbiofuels.com/
What is so cool about this biodiesel fuel is that there is no conversion needed to standard diesel engines. Here is the announcement from the SC Department of Commerce:
Greenlight Biofuels Announces Carolina Gateway Project in Laurens County, S.C.
Facility to Produce Renewable Fuel and Bring New Opportunity to Laurens County
Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Laurens County Development Corporation joined Greenlight Biofuels, LLC today in announcing that the company will develop a biodiesel production facility in Laurens County, South Carolina. Once completed, the Carolina Gateway project will produce up to 10 million gallons of renewable biodiesel fuel each year and will create up to 15 full-time jobs. The company expects to begin construction of the facility before the end of 2007.
Greenlight President Allen Cunningham remarked, “We are excited to be a part of an industry that contributes to national energy independence, local economic growth, and a cleaner environment. This project will continue Greenlight’s rapid advance into the biodiesel market.”
“Today’s announcement works hand-in-hand to preserve the quality of life we enjoy in South Carolina while providing an economic benefit to the local community. Also, given the jobs connected with this type of industry, it’s another step towards diversifying our economy and creating new opportunities in our state,” said Gov. Mark Sanford.
"Everyone is challenged to keep pace with the increasing cost of fuel and energy. These day-to-day costs can make or break a farm or any business. Renewable fuels energize the economy, add to our nation’s security, and protect the environment while giving a boost to farm profit,” said Hugh Weathers, South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture. “Production of renewable fuels like Greenlight Biofuels’ biodiesel allow South Carolina’s rural communities, farmers, and entrepreneurs to benefit economically and, at the same time, helps our nation work towards greater energy independence. I welcome Greenlight Biofuels to South Carolina and commend them for energizing the state’s economy."
“We are very pleased to have a company of this type coming to Laurens County. It shows that Laurens County is a very pro-business county. We have been very impressed with the company and look forward to an excellent working relationship,” said Jim Coleman, Chairman, Laurens County Council.
“The alternative energy field is a very high profile industry and has significant potential in the future. This could be a stepping stone for Laurens County to attract other high profile companies in the future,” said Marvin Moss, Sr. Project Manager, Laurens County Development Corporation.
Greenlight Biofuels, LLC was founded by Greenlight Energy Resources to develop, build, own, and operate biodiesel facilities in North America. Greenlight Energy Resources was formed by the principals of Greenlight Energy, Inc (GEI) following the $100 million sale of their wind energy company to BP Alternative Energy North America, Inc. At the time of the sale in 2006, GEI was one of the largest independent wind energy companies in the country with a 6,000 MW development pipeline comprised of large-scale wind energy projects in 15 states.
What is so cool about this biodiesel fuel is that there is no conversion needed to standard diesel engines. Here is the announcement from the SC Department of Commerce:
Greenlight Biofuels Announces Carolina Gateway Project in Laurens County, S.C.
Facility to Produce Renewable Fuel and Bring New Opportunity to Laurens County
Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Laurens County Development Corporation joined Greenlight Biofuels, LLC today in announcing that the company will develop a biodiesel production facility in Laurens County, South Carolina. Once completed, the Carolina Gateway project will produce up to 10 million gallons of renewable biodiesel fuel each year and will create up to 15 full-time jobs. The company expects to begin construction of the facility before the end of 2007.
Greenlight President Allen Cunningham remarked, “We are excited to be a part of an industry that contributes to national energy independence, local economic growth, and a cleaner environment. This project will continue Greenlight’s rapid advance into the biodiesel market.”
“Today’s announcement works hand-in-hand to preserve the quality of life we enjoy in South Carolina while providing an economic benefit to the local community. Also, given the jobs connected with this type of industry, it’s another step towards diversifying our economy and creating new opportunities in our state,” said Gov. Mark Sanford.
"Everyone is challenged to keep pace with the increasing cost of fuel and energy. These day-to-day costs can make or break a farm or any business. Renewable fuels energize the economy, add to our nation’s security, and protect the environment while giving a boost to farm profit,” said Hugh Weathers, South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture. “Production of renewable fuels like Greenlight Biofuels’ biodiesel allow South Carolina’s rural communities, farmers, and entrepreneurs to benefit economically and, at the same time, helps our nation work towards greater energy independence. I welcome Greenlight Biofuels to South Carolina and commend them for energizing the state’s economy."
“We are very pleased to have a company of this type coming to Laurens County. It shows that Laurens County is a very pro-business county. We have been very impressed with the company and look forward to an excellent working relationship,” said Jim Coleman, Chairman, Laurens County Council.
“The alternative energy field is a very high profile industry and has significant potential in the future. This could be a stepping stone for Laurens County to attract other high profile companies in the future,” said Marvin Moss, Sr. Project Manager, Laurens County Development Corporation.
Greenlight Biofuels, LLC was founded by Greenlight Energy Resources to develop, build, own, and operate biodiesel facilities in North America. Greenlight Energy Resources was formed by the principals of Greenlight Energy, Inc (GEI) following the $100 million sale of their wind energy company to BP Alternative Energy North America, Inc. At the time of the sale in 2006, GEI was one of the largest independent wind energy companies in the country with a 6,000 MW development pipeline comprised of large-scale wind energy projects in 15 states.
