Renewable Energy Group Breaks Ground on Wind Turbine in Albert Lea

Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGI) broke ground on Monday for a single wind turbine that will provide power to the company’s biorefinery in Albert Lea, Minnesota. This project will provide locally sourced, clean electrical power, lowering the carbon footprint of the biodiesel plant.

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Business and Community Leaders Celebrate Groundbreaking Ceremony in Albert Lea (Photo: Business Wire)

Local community members, elected officials and employees celebrated the project Monday marking a first-of-its kind project for the company.

“We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint by producing cleaner burning fuels. The addition of the wind turbine will make a process that already had low carbon output even more sustainable,” said Cynthia “CJ” Warner, President and CEO of Renewable Energy Group. “We are continuously looking for innovative approaches to improve our facilities, and this project is no exception.”

The project, to be constructed and operated by Minnesota-based Juhl Energy, will save approximately 68,000 tons of carbon dioxide over the first 10 years, displacing predominantly fossil fuel-based electricity. This is the equivalent of greenhouse gas emissions from 168 million miles driven by an average passenger vehicle.

“This project is a great example of locally sourced distributed renewable energy and we’re excited that electricity produced from the wind will directly lead to lower carbon gallons of biodiesel being produced by REG,” said Clay Norrbom, Managing Director of Juhl Energy. “Juhl and REG have appreciated working with the many people who have made the project possible, including local landowners, city, township, and county officials, Freeborn Mower Rural Electric Coop, Dairyland Power Cooperative and Faith Technologies.”

The single wind turbine will be located north and west of the REG Albert Lea biodiesel plant. The site selection was made based on REG’s desire to limit the impact of sound and shadow flicker to the surrounding residents.

“Using wind-generated electrical energy to convert agricultural products into biodiesel is a great way to improve the plant’s environmental footprint and advance our renewable energy goals for the state,” Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said. “We’re proud that Minnesota continues to be a leader in biofuels and clean energy.”

In 2019, REG produced 495 million gallons of cleaner fuel delivering over 4.2 million metric tons of carbon reduction.

About Renewable Energy Group

Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGI) is leading the energy industry's transition to sustainability by transforming renewable resources into high-quality, cleaner fuels. REG is North America’s largest producer of biodiesel and an industry leading producer of renewable diesel. REG solutions are alternatives for petroleum diesel and produce significantly lower carbon emissions. REG utilizes a global integrated procurement, distribution and logistics network to operate 13 biorefineries in the U.S. and Europe. In 2019, REG produced 495 million gallons of cleaner fuel delivering over 4.2 million metric tons of carbon reduction. REG is meeting the growing global demand for lower-carbon fuels and leading the way to a more sustainable future.

About Juhl Energy

Juhl Energy is a leader in the renewable energy industry with a focus on competitive, clean energy solutions, including wind, solar, and combined heat and power systems designed for rural communities, municipal electric companies, and industrial companies throughout the United States. Juhl Energy has completed over 25 projects, accounting for over 350 MW’s of power. Juhl services every aspect of project lifecycles, including development, engineering, construction management, operations, maintenance, and ownership. Juhl Energy is headquartered in Chanhassen, MN, and has other offices in Chicago and Milwaukee.

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