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Study Concludes Michigan Can Support Biodiesel Plant

The Michigan Department of Agriculture announced the results of a study assessing the state's ability to house a biodiesel plant. The MDA-sponsored report concludes that with an investment of $7-12 million, a stand-alone, five to ten million-gallon biodiesel plant could be built in one of several locations, including Bangor, Zeeland, Gratiot County and several other sites. "Today's results are further confirmation that our efforts to make Michigan a hub for cleaner burning fuels, as well as a leader in alternative energy and bio-technology, are on target," said MDA Director Mitch Irwin.

"We're looking forward to having some in-state production. Last year 3 million gallons of biodiesel were brought into Michigan from other states, so some in-state production is needed to help fulfill Michigan's growing demand for biodiesel and to help both the economy and Michigan's soybean farmers," said Gail R. Frahm, Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee Executive Director and one of the investors in the feasibility study. "With users such as schools, MDOT, the postal service, state and national parks, city fleets, farmers, and MANY others, biodiesel is here to stay and we hope to help continue to grow the demand."

Read National Study Says Biodiesel Plant Feasible in Michigan from Michigan.gov
Read Biodiesel Feasibility Study Executive Summary (576k Adobe PDF)

Posted/updated Mar 17, 2006
by Andrew McFarlane (Absolute Michigan)