Marathon Petroleum Corp. anticipates that the feedstock pretreatment capabilities at its Martinez Renewable Fuels facility in California will be operational in the second half of 2023. With an expected production capacity of 730 million gallons per year by the end of the year, the facility is poised for significant growth.

During the company's second-quarter earnings call on August 1, Marathon officials provided updates on the progress of the Martinez project. Developed in collaboration with Neste, the biorefinery achieved full Phase I production capacity of 260 million gallons per year in the first quarter of 2023. Currently, Phase II activities are underway to install the pretreatment unit and enhance the facility's capacity. Once Phase II is completed, Marathon CEO Mike Hennigan stated that the Martinez facility will rank among the largest and most competitive renewable diesel facilities. He emphasized the facility's competitive operating profile, logistical flexibility, advantageous feedstock slate, and strategic partnership with Neste as key factors contributing to its success.

In addition to the Martinez Renewable Fuels facility, Marathon also operates a renewable diesel project in Dickinson, North Dakota, with a production capacity of 180 million gallons per year. This facility has been operating at full capacity since mid-2021, further bolstering Marathon's presence in the renewable fuels sector.

Marathon Petroleum Corp.'s expansion into renewable fuels underscores its commitment to sustainable energy solutions and aligns with the growing global demand for alternative fuel sources. As the Martinez facility prepares to launch its feedstock pretreatment capabilities and increase production capacity, Marathon is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the biofuel market.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation: Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is a prominent integrated downstream energy company based in Findlay, Ohio. It boasts the largest refining system in the United States and operates an extensive marketing system that includes branded locations across the country, such as Marathon brand retail outlets. In addition to its refining operations, MPC holds a majority limited partner interest and serves as the general partner of MPLX LP. MPLX is a midstream company engaged in the ownership and operation of assets for gathering, processing, and fractionation, as well as infrastructure for transporting and managing crude oil and light products.

Martinez Renewables Fuels project: Marathon Petroleum Corp. and Neste's joint venture, the Martinez Renewables Fuels project (MRF), is making steady progress in its transformation of the idle refinery in Martinez, California into a renewable fuels production site. The project remains on schedule to achieve mechanical completion by the end of this year.

The first phase of MRF is set to commence renewable diesel production in early 2023, with pretreatment capabilities becoming operational in the second half of the same year. By the end of 2023, both Marathon Petroleum Corp. and Neste anticipate that the converted Martinez refinery will reach its full nameplate production capacity of 730 million gallons per year.