Biodiesel plant proposed for northeast Missouri

ROCK PORT, Mo. -- Spurred by the success of the ethanol industry and tax incentives approved by Congress, a group led by Missouri farmers is planning to build a biodiesel plant in northwest Missouri.

The Heartland Biodiesel plant will cost $40 million to $45 million to build and will employ about 28 people, producing roughly 30 million gallons of biodiesel per year.

"Renewable energy -- that's what everybody's talking about," said Kent Fisher, of Fairfax, vice president of the group's board of directors.

The group proposing the plant has already conducted a feasibility study, written a business plan and raised seed capital. It also holds an option on 30 acres of land along Interstate 29 near Rock Port. Biodiesel uses animal fat and vegetable oil to produce a form of fuel that can be blended with petroleum and used in all diesel engines.

Another biodiesel plant is currently under construction in Mexico, Mo.

The plant in Rock Port would also be able to produce glycerin, a substance used in soap and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

---

Information from: St. Joseph News-Press, http://www.stjoenews-press.com