TexCom plans to construct biodiesel plant

TexCom Inc has signed a letter of intent with LBC Houston LP to build and operate a new 30 million-gallon-per-year biodiesel plant at LBC's bulk liquids terminal in Seabrook TX.

Under a long-term lease from LBC, TexCom plans to construct the multi-million dollar plant that will convert virgin soybean oil into biodiesel and use existing on-site storage capacity and other terminal facilities. Project design includes the capability to store conventional petroleum diesel, allowing TexCom to blend and market B20 and other biodiesel blends as well as B100. Feedstock will be brought in via barge to the site near the Houston Ship Channel to produce the renewable fuel. The company intends to contract with biodiesel plant builder Lurgi PSI (Memphis TN) to provide the process technology and design and construct the plant using its continuous transesterification process.

TexCom is securing funding for the project with a goal of getting construction underway by mid-fourth quarter 2005. Plans are to have the plant fully operational and producing biodiesel by fourth quarter 2006.