Lurgi announces successful start-up of Calgren Renewable Fuels, LLC ethanol plant in California
- Press Release
- Acquisition
- Innovation
Calgren plant incorporates industry leading operational efficiencies and process conversion technology
Lurgi, Inc., a member of the Air Liquide group of companies based in Memphis, Tennessee, announces the successful completion and start-up of a state-of-the-art ethanol facility for Calgren Renewable Fuels, LLC (Calgren). Located in Pixley, California, the Calgren plant incorporates industry leading operational efficiencies and process conversion technology, and is the only ethanol plant currently operating in the state.
Calgren and Lurgi collaborated on unique designs that optimize the plant’s energy efficiency and incorporate the production of value added co-products.
The plant is powered by an Ultra Low NOX gas turbine generator capable of producing 5,800 kilowatts (KW) of electricity as well as process steam, which results in a 20 to 25 percent reduction of steam consumption compared to the industry norm. With one of the lowest carbon footprints of any ethanol plant in the United States, Calgren’s plant will have annual production of 55 million gallons of fuel alcohol and 400,000 tons of animal feed.
Ethanol is used as a transportation fuel or fuel additive and is typically manufactured by processing industrial waste streams or organic matter. The ability to capture and repurpose these feedstocks further enhances the value of ethanol as a cleaner burning alternative fuel that contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving our environment.
Chris Lloyd Jones, chairman of Lurgi, Inc. stated: “Lurgi is proud to have contributed technological expertise to Calgren’s success, and we congratulate them on their perseverance and on the achievement of this significant milestone. Lurgi is committed to helping pave the way for new energy and environment solutions, two growth drivers for the Group.”
Lyle Schlyer, president of Calgren Renewable Fuels, LLC commented: “We believe that our collaboration with Lurgi on this facility has resulted in one of the most energy efficient ethanol plants in the country.”
The successful implementation of Lurgi’s design modifications for the Calgren facility highlights its expertise as a world-leading technology and engineering company, and its exceptional capabilities to deliver innovative biofuels technology and value through customized solutions.
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Lurgi, Inc. is a subsidiary of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. and is a leading technology and engineering company specializing in biofuels technology and innovations for the future.
Air Liquide is the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, and is present in over 75 countries with 42,300 employees. Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and rare gases have been at the core of Air Liquide’s activities since its creation in 1902. Using these molecules, Air Liquide continuously reinvents its business, anticipating the needs of current and future markets. The Group innovates to enable progress, to achieve dynamic growth and a consistent performance.
Innovative technologies that curb polluting emissions, lower industry’s energy use, recover and reuse natural resources or develop the energies of tomorrow, such as hydrogen, biofuels or photovoltaic energy… Oxygen for hospitals, homecare, fighting nosocomial infections… Air Liquide combines many products and technologies to develop valuable applications and services not only for its customers but also for society.
A partner for the long term, Air Liquide relies on employee commitment, customer trust and shareholder support to pursue its vision of sustainable, competitive growth. The diversity of Air Liquide’s teams, businesses, markets and geographic presence provides a solid and sustainable base for its development and strengthens its ability to push back its own limits, conquer new territories and build its future.
Air Liquide explores the best that air can offer to preserve life, staying true to its sustainable development approach. In 2009, the Group’s revenues amounted to €12 billion, of which almost 80% were generated outside France. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris Euronext stock exchange (compartment A) and is a member of the CAC 40 and Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 indexes.