Torsten Energy, LLC makes Kiowa County home to new biodiesel plant

 Kiowa County has worked hard to recoup from widespread destruction caused by an EF-5 tornado in early May.  In addition to rebuilding residential structures, an important part of long-term recovery lies in reestablishing the business community.  Today, the local economy received a significant boost in that effort.  House Minority Leader Dennis McKinney, Greensburg, along with Congressman Jerry Moran and Greensburg Mayor John Janssen joined Torsten Energy, LLC, as it announced its intention to begin the process of bringing a biodiesel plant to Greensburg.

“This is terrific news for Kiowa County and for Kansas,” said McKinney.  “The more businesses that commit to building in Greensburg, the sooner hardworking families of our community will be back in town and back in the workforce.” 

Torsten Energy, LLC, is an energy company locally owned and operated out of Wright, Kan. Immediately after the tornado leveled much of Kiowa County last spring, the company saw an opportunity to support recovery efforts through this project.  A biodiesel plant in Kiowa County will add approximately 20-25 jobs to the community and increase local demand for agricultural products.  Though it is early in the development process, Torsten Energy has been working on this project with Kansas regulatory agencies and Greensburg community leaders since mid-May.

"Kansas communities are great partners in the production of renewable energy,” said Moran. "The announcement today in Greensburg is especially important as it will help move the community forward and enhance the economy.  I commend Torsten Energy for its work and eagerness to build in Greensburg."

Once the Greensburg biodiesel plant project completes necessary regulatory requirements, Torsten Energy will partner with Ball Industrial Services (BIS) for the construction phase of the development.  BIS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ball Construction Service, LLC, comprised of engineering, construction and project management professionals with extensive renewable fuels and process plant experience.  Their team offers expertise in biofuels, alternative fuels (wind, solar, geothermal) and a variety of other energy and industrial process applications.  BIS will oversee construction management and plant startup for the Greensburg plant.

 “Like many Greensburg recovery efforts, we still have a lot to do before we can actually break ground,” said Patrick Stein, a representative of Torsten Energy who is overseeing the development.  “Though we are still in the very early stages of development, we are completely committed to this community.  We want to see Greensburg back on its feet and we know projects like this are the way to make it happen.”

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made by a chemical reaction of alcohol and vegetable or animal oils, fats or greases.  Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine in pure form or blended with petroleum diesel at any level. Even a blend of 20 percent bio and 80 percent petroleum diesel will significantly reduce carcinogenic emissions and gases that may contribute to global warming.

According to the Department of Energy, biodiesel has become the fastest growing fuel used in the United States.  It joins ethanol as an alternative fuel that is proven to be safer, biodegradable, and significantly more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based diesel.  Because biodiesel is produced by all natural sources, it generally releases as much carbon dioxide as it consumes while growing, making the product carbon-neutral.  For more information about biodiesel in the United States, visit www.biodiesel.org. 

It is hoped that Torsten Energy’s biodiesel plant will be the first project to take shape in Greensburg’s new industrial park, which will be an area located just outside the community.  The industrial park concept is hoped to help stimulate the economic recovery of Kiowa County.