Carolina Renewable Products breaks ground on $280 million renewable diesel facility

Carolina Renewable Products announced Dec. 13 that it has officially broken ground on its first renewable diesel facility in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, marking the launch of a $280 million clean-energy investment that will create 155 jobs over the next five years.

Located at 546 Prosperity Drive, the 20-acre site will convert pine-wood residuals from local sawmills into renewable diesel—a clean, drop-in fuel that requires no engine modifications.

The plant will also produce high-value byproducts including biochar and wood vinegar.

“Our goal is simple—bring jobs, innovation and clean-fuel production to South Carolina,” said CEO Robert Bryan.

“This project has been years in the making, and Orangeburg is exactly where we want to build,” he added.

Construction begins in spring 2026, with initial modules operating by late 2026 and full operations expected by 2027, according to the company.

State and county leaders praised the project for strengthening South Carolina’s forestry sector, which has faced mill closures and shrinking markets.

The project is supported by county tax incentives and a $755,000 Closing Fund grant from the Coordinating Council for Economic Development and a $200,000 grant from South Carolina’s secretary of agriculture.