Continental Refining to Double Biodiesel Capacity at Somerset Complex

SOMERSET, Ky. — Continental Refining Company is expanding its biodiesel production facility to double capacity at its Somerset industrial complex, while its soybean processing plant will remain idled for the season following a July fire.

The biodiesel expansion began in August and is expected to be completed by Nov. 15. CRC also is adding a rail spur connecting the facility to the Norfolk Southern main line, allowing the company to receive and ship biofuel nationwide.

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The investments come as CRC reports double-digit growth in its biodiesel business and broadens its product offerings and regional distribution. Its biodiesel production and fuel terminal operations were unaffected by the fire and have continued without interruption.

The July 5 fire caused significant damage to the soybean processing portion of CRC’s 77-acre agricultural and petroleum industrial complex. The soybean operation was idled when the fire occurred and has remained offline since the incident.

CRC is evaluating the feasibility of repairing and restarting the soybean plant, as well as alternatives for the operation’s future. While that review continues, the company is seeking a regional partner to operate its grain elevator.

The update outlines different paths for the businesses within the Somerset complex: continued investment in biodiesel production and distribution, alongside an ongoing assessment of the damaged soybean processing facility.

In September, CRC introduced P51, a higher-blend biodiesel product that the company said has experienced strong early success in the region. Before its broader market introduction, P51 underwent several years of testing in the equipment fleet of White Oil Company, a CRC affiliate.

That testing provided real-world operating experience ahead of the product’s commercial rollout, according to CRC. The new offering is part of the company’s effort to expand its agriculture-based fuel products into additional markets.

CRC will continue producing biodiesel from soybean oil and other vegetable oils. The company said its growth strategy focuses on supporting American agriculture, expanding the availability of U.S.-made products and providing domestically produced fuel alternatives amid geopolitical uncertainty.

The Somerset property includes the soybean crush plant, biodiesel production facility, fuels blending terminal and grain handling infrastructure. Current operations include biodiesel production, fuel blending and terminal services, along with grain storage and handling infrastructure. For more information, visit conrefco.com.