MARCI WRIGHT, Times staff writer
A cheaper, cleaner alternative to gasoline appears closer in Frankfort’s future than previously expected.
Construction of a biodiesel plant will possibly begin this summer, the Utility Service Board learned Monday night.
Introducing the environmentally friendly way of turning soybean plants into fuel had been discussed among officials the past few years, and Indiana Clean Energy CEO Murray Gingrich presented the USB with the plans.
“It would be an odorless, noise-free facility, with only some steam being emitted,” Gingrich said. “We believe in maintaining a ‘good neighbor’ policy.”
Once the plants are chemically processed into biodiesel, it can be sold to companies that can blend the compound with fuels to sell to farmers or retail consumers, he said.
The resulting liquid fuel is almost the exact same chemical structure as traditionally refined fuel and burns the same way in diesel engines. Its only by-products are water and heat.
“Even if this spills onto the ground, it would be OK because it’s safe,” Gingrich said.
The plant would be located north of ADM Grain in the industrial park. The Indiana Clean Energy LLC officials chose Frankfort’s location over two other counties considered.
“We were sold on Frankfort’s ideal location and proximity to the interstate,” he said. “Plus, Clinton County has really opened their arms to this idea, and we really appreciate that.”
Clinton County residents can expect about 35 jobs to open with the plant, he said. With a total payroll capacity of $2 million, Clean Energy officials will be searching for top-notch, well-qualified employees for highly technical positions, he said.
The plant will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The possibilities for benefits in the community are endless, he said. Not only could it be a major step toward the creation of fuel that is relatively clean-burning, but it wouldn’t contribute to global warming.
“On a larger scale, it could even provide farmers everywhere with billions of dollars of new income,” he said. “And it cuts our dependencies on foreign markets for fuel.”
Board members are looking into options for utility infrastructure, such as wastewater lines and electricity.