Chevron Invests in 100 mgy Galveston Bay Biodiesel

GBB will produce biodiesel from soybeans and other renewable feedstocks, with the option to sell pure biodiesel or biodiesel blended with off-road or on-road diesel into marine, commercial, trucking and industrial markets in the Galveston and Houston metropolitan areas.

"This investment is another example of how Chevron takes a proactive, practical approach toward the development of emerging new energy sources," said Don Paul, vice president and chief technology officer, Chevron Corporation. "We believe biofuels are a component of the diversification of the fuel supply to meet future energy demand."

GBB will have initial production of 20 million gallons per year, representing almost a 27 percent increase in total U.S. biodiesel production of 75 million gallons in 2005. The facility has the capability to expand operations to produce 100 million gallons of fuel per year.

"The biodiesel industry in North America is at an early stage of development, typified by small operations producing small quantities of fuel. This is an opportunity to engage in one of the first large-scale biodiesel production operations, providing renewable fuel to industry in Galveston, Houston and surrounding areas," said Dana Flanders, president of CTV.

CTV holds a 22 percent interest in GBB. Other investors are Contango Capital Biofuels Partners LP, Galveston Bay Biodiesel Management LLC, Sultex LLC, Mobius Risk Group LLC, and Beaver Creek Fund, Ltd.