Natural Chem Group acquires ethanol plant of Abengoa Bioenergy in New Mexico

Natural Chem Group (NCG) has acquired Abengoa's ethanol plant in Portales, New Mexico. The plant was acquired through a competitive bidding process.

The new owner has plans use the facility as an Eco-Fuels Blend Terminal with the ability to produce 4.5 million gallons of B20 biodiesel each month. The company will blend diesel with biodiesel to produce varying blends of commercial transportation fuel.

According to a State of New Mexico mandate, all diesel fuel has to be at least a 5% biodiesel blend (B5).  NCG’s Portales blending facility will be able to blend all the fuel to meet the mandate. Primary customers for NCG’s fuels are regional fleets and trucking operations, especially those serving the dairy and mining industries.

According to sources, Robert J. Salazar, Natural Chem’s CEO/President, said:

“We look forward to beginning plant operations, creating jobs, providing revenue and boosting the local economy. We envision multiple uses for our Portales facility involving renewable fuels and natural chemicals. We believe this will be a positive addition to Portales and the regional economy and help sustain the biofuels industry nationally.”