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    Marathon Petroleum Producing Renewable Diesel from Bio-Feedstocks at Former CA Refinery

    Aug. 22, 2023
    Through Topsoe's HydroFlex technology, the facility will raise its production capacity from 260 million gallons per year to 730 million gallons per year by the end of 2023.
    Image Source: Marathon Petroleum
    Marathon Petroleum 2 64e4ca1053646

    Through a joint venture with Finnish energy technology firm Neste, Marathon Petroleum has repurposed its former oil refinery in Martinez, California to produce renewable diesel.

    The Martinez Renewable Fuels Facility has a current capacity of 260 million gallons per year, but additional production capacity is expected to be online by the end of 2023, bringing the total to 730 million gallons per year.

    To help achieve this elevated production capacity, Marathon Petroleum has selected Topsoe as the technology provider for its renewable fuels production. The Martinez facility will utilize Topsoe's HydroFlex technology, which converts bio-feedstock, such as waste, animal fats, and used cooking oils, into renewable diesel. Renewable diesels produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions while performing the same as regular petroleum diesel.

    This deal marks the continuation of Marathon Petroleum and Topsoe's partnership, which saw the successful application of Topsoe's HydroFlex technology at Marathon's Dickinson facility in North Dakota.

    "As we continue to challenge ourselves to lead in sustainable energy, our renewable fuels production facilities in Dickinson and Martinez have been important contributors," said Jeff Sexton, Refining Technology Director at Marathon. "The ramp-up of our first phase of production capacity at Martinez has been successful, and we look forward to bringing the facility up to full production capacity by the end of this year."

    About the Author

    Breanna Sandridge, Senior Editor

    Breanna Sandridge is senior editor for EnergyTech and Microgrid Knowledge, both part of the energy group at Endeavor Business Media.

    Prior to that, Breanna was managing editor for Machinery Lubrication and Reliable Plant magazines, both part of Noria Corp. She has two years experience covering the industrial sector.

    She also is a 2021 graduate of Northeastern State University (Oklahoma) with a Bachelor's in English. 

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