General Biodiesel founder to develop joint biodiesel project in Washington state

Yale Energy Inc., a Seattle-based renewable energy company, announced Sept. 1 that it has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Puyallup Tribe Enterprises to pursue a joint venture for a new biodiesel and renewable energy facility in the Puget Sound region.

According to Yale Energy, this project honors the sovereignty of the Puyallup Tribe and combines its commitment to environmental stewardship since time immemorial with Yale Energy’s expertise in converting local waste—used cooking oil, animal fats and seafood byproducts—into clean, low-carbon fuels.

“We are honored to partner with the Puyallup Tribe, whose leadership in sustainability sets a powerful example,” said Yale Wong, CEO and founder of Yale Energy.

Wong is also the former CEO and founder of Seattle-based General Biodiesel, which was established in 2006 and acquired by Mahoney Environmental Solutions in 2020.

“Together we aim to build a model project that turns waste into multiple renewable energy sources, creating jobs and reducing emissions for future generations,” Wong said.  

Under the LOI, both parties will work toward a definitive partnership agreement that ensures long-term shared benefits, job creation and opportunities for sustainable economic development.

The facility is expected to create 50-plus green jobs while advancing Washington state and Tribal clean-energy goals.

The project will be developed in phases, starting with a pilot-scale biodiesel production plant, then expanding to a commercial-scale operation.

Once operational, the plant will supply millions of gallons of biodiesel compatible with existing diesel engines, providing an immediate pathway to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.

Yale Energy and PTE also plan to pursue federal and state clean-energy grants to accelerate development and maximize economic impact.