Blue Biofuels Secures Land in Florida for Large-Scale Renewable Fuel Production
- 05-Feb-2025 5:30 PM
- Journalist: Alexander Pushkin
Blue Biofuels has announced the acquisition of 35.5 acres of land in Frostproof, Florida, marking a crucial step in its commercial-scale biofuel production efforts. The site will serve as the foundation for an advanced production facility, initially designed to generate 3 million gallons of biofuel annually. With ample space and infrastructure, the facility has the potential to scale up to 100 million gallons per year of cellulosic ethanol and 100 million gallons per year of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Situated in Polk County, one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions, the location offers strategic advantages for feedstock supply and distribution. Central Florida’s rich agricultural landscape ensures access to sustainable biomass sources, while its proximity to the Port of Tampa allows for efficient transportation via rail and road networks.
To ensure the successful development of the facility, Blue Biofuels is partnering with Global Management Partners (GMP) for engineering and design planning. This collaboration will lay a strong foundation for the state-of-the-art biofuel plant, reinforcing the company’s commitment to clean energy innovation.
Beyond environmental benefits, the project is expected to generate substantial economic growth in the Frostproof area. The construction phase is projected to create approximately 150 jobs, with additional high-skilled permanent positions becoming available once the facility is operational.
A key component of Blue Biofuels’ renewable energy strategy involves utilizing King Grass as a primary biomass source. Many surrounding orange groves, which are no longer in full production, present an opportunity for conversion into King Grass cultivation. This energy crop plays a critical role in producing sustainable biofuels while contributing to greenhouse gas reduction.
The company anticipates breaking ground on the facility in 2025, with an initial focus on producing 3 million gallons of ethanol, which can be converted into SAF. As demand for renewable fuels continues to rise, subsequent expansions will allow Blue Biofuels to scale its production capacity significantly.
“This land acquisition is a major milestone in our journey toward commercialization,” said Ben Slager, CEO of Blue Biofuels. “We are excited to develop our production facility and showcase the potential of our innovative technology. With the capacity to scale up to 200 million gallons of renewable fuel annually, this facility will highlight the viability of our process and reinforce our commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, we look forward to collaborating with local farmers and suppliers to support economic growth while advancing the transition to cleaner energy.”
By securing this site, Blue Biofuels is poised to become a key player in the renewable fuels industry, driving innovation, sustainability, and economic development in Florida and beyond.