Heartwell Renewables breaks ground on 80 mgy renewable diesel project in Nebraska

From left, Hans Kabat, Cargill; Spencer Haines, Loves; Hastings Mayor Cory Stutte; Kris Benson, Nebraska Department of Economic Development; Cicely Warden, Nebraska Department of Agriculture; Nebraska Lt. Governor Mike Foley (Photo: Heartwell Renewables)

Heartwell Renewables, a joint venture between The Love’s Family of Companies and Cargill, broke ground Nov. 3 on its new 80-million-gallon-per-year renewable diesel processing facility in Hastings, Nebraska.

The plant will use tallow feedstock provided by Cargill, as well as vegetable oils to make renewable diesel fuel.

According to Cargill and Love’s, the new Hastings facility is a first of its kind to both manufacture and distribute renewable diesel all the way to the retail pump.

The project was first announced publicly in April 2021.

Construction was initially supposed to start in late spring 2021 with start-up in early 2023. But with construction just beginning this month, Heartwell Renewables is now expected to start operations in summer 2024.

“We’re thrilled to become a part of the Hastings community and expand Cargill’s footprint in Nebraska,” said Hans Kabat, president of Cargill’s North America protein business. “We see strong potential in the growth and competitiveness of the renewable diesel industry and look forward to bringing the strengths of both our companies to bear to achieve a high-quality product with an efficient supply chain process.”

Spencer Haines, chief financial officer for Love’s, added, “The Love’s Family of Companies is always looking for new and innovative ways to better serve customers. We are excited to partner with Cargill in the creation of this new state-of-the-art renewable diesel refinery, as we continue to invest in renewable fuel offerings to provide our customers access to sustainable fueling alternatives.”

This past May, Worley announced it had been awarded a contract covering detailed and field-engineering services for Heartwell Renewables. Worley stated in May its services will be executed in Houston, Texas, with support from its Global Integrated Delivery team in India. The team will use a full suite of digital tools during project delivery.

In June, TritenIAG announced it is providing project development and management services.