Chevron Reduces Carbon Footprint with Mason City Solar Installation

Chevron Renewable Energy Group has embarked on a significant enhancement of its Mason City biodiesel production facility. This initiative centers on installing a solar array, marking a substantial step forward in Chevron’s sustainability and carbon reduction commitment. The project commenced with a groundbreaking event that saw attendance from local leaders and project partners, highlighting the community and collaborative effort behind this initiative.

Mason City Biorefinery

Located in northern Iowa, the Mason City biodiesel production facility has been operational since July 2007. This multi-feedstock biorefinery produces approximately 30 million gallons of high-quality biodiesel annually, utilizing high and low-free fatty acid feedstocks. The facility’s nameplate capacity is 30 million gallons annually.

The Mason City facility is well-equipped for loading products via truck and rail, benefiting from a dual-served rail line through the Iowa Traction junction with UP and Canadian Pacific. This logistical advantage supports efficient distribution and accessibility for various markets.

The biorefinery produces various products, including Biodiesel, Ultra Biodiesel, Methyl Esters, Bio-Residual™ Oil, and Glycerin. This diverse product portfolio underscores the facility’s versatility and contribution to the renewable energy sector.

A New Era of Sustainable Energy

The solar array, installed on Chevron’s existing property, will provide the Mason City facility with a reliable, long-term supply of lower-carbon electricity.

Edgar Castro, Chevron Renewable Energy Group General Manager of Biodiesel Operations and Maintenance, emphasized the project’s significance: “The Mason City biorefinery solar array project exemplifies Chevron’s focus on innovation and its vision to lower the carbon intensity of our operations. This is the latest innovative initiative that will provide lower carbon renewable energy for the Mason City biorefinery and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity.”

Key Project Details

• Project Partners: Faith Technologies Inc. and Zero6 Energy Inc.
• Timeline: Panel installation will occur this summer, with an expected completion date at the end of 2024.
• Impact:
  • The solar array will cover 10 acres.
  • It will meet up to 43% of the biorefinery’s annual power consumption needs.
  • The initiative expects to cut thousands of metric tons of carbon emissions over the project’s lifetime.

Commitment to Lower Carbon Investments

This project is part of Chevron’s broader strategy to invest $8 billion in lower carbon initiatives and $2 billion specifically in carbon reduction projects by 2028. The groundbreaking event celebrated not just the start of the solar array project but also the collaboration between Chevron and its partners and the support from the local community. This project is poised to significantly impact the Mason City facility and set a precedent for future renewable energy projects within the industry.