Ethanol Blog

LINCOLN, Neb. (DTN) -- A Ralston, Iowa, biodiesel plant that shut down two years and eight months ago is restarting production, Chevron U.S.A. Inc. announced Thursday.

In March 2024 Chevron Renewable Energy Group closed the 42-million-gallon Ralston plant as well as another biodiesel facility in Madison, Wisconsin, because of what the company described in a news release as "poor market conditions."

Chevron said the restart of the Ralston plant is supported by a commercial and operational agreement between Chevron and the farmer-owned Landus Cooperative.

It typically takes biodiesel plants two to six weeks to return to maximum production.

A Chevron spokesperson said the company does not have a definitive timeline for the plant's reopening but anticipates it will be mid-2027 before the plant comes back online.

"The decision follows improved biodiesel market conditions, and the neighboring Landus processing facility gives the plant an efficient feedstock supply chain," according to Chevron.

Chevron said the cooperative recently made updates to its Ralston processing facility.

"Ralston is well-positioned in the country's second largest state for soybean farming and the Landus facility processes more than 28 million bushels of soybeans a year, making it the largest mechanical crush facility in the U.S.," according to Chevron.

"Once fully operational, the Ralston facility will help increase the supply of biodiesel available to regional customers, support the broader diesel market and provide increased opportunities for soybeans raised by Iowa farmers. The restart is expected to create employment and contracting opportunities in the region, but timing and scope of workforce additions are still being assessed."

Chevron recently announced record crude throughput at its U.S. petroleum refineries, which operated at nearly 98% utilization in the third quarter, according to the company. It also achieved monthly renewable diesel and biodiesel production records in 2026, and the company has reinvested to bring more energy to a supply-constrained market.

"Restarting the Ralston facility reflects improved market conditions and Chevron's commitment to helping meet our customers' energy demands," said Andy Walz, Chevron president of downstream, midstream and chemicals.

"As global oil markets remain tight, Chevron is taking practical steps across our entire system to help strengthen fuel supply. Bringing Ralston back online will enable additional biodiesel production capacity while supporting the communities and customers we serve."

Chevron said the plant restart will be a "staged process" including staffing, maintenance, safety and operational-readiness activities prior to resuming production.

"The combination of soy processing and biodiesel production at the Ralston site has long represented a powerful partnership among our companies, communities and stakeholders," said Eric Heismeyer, Landus president and CEO.

"Landus is proud to collaborate with Chevron on this important step toward increased market access for our farmer owners and in doing so, contribute to Iowa's collective renewable fuel and agriculture leadership."

Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, said restarting production at the Ralston plant is indicative of the effect of the latest Renewable Fuel Standard volumes.

"This may be the biggest sign yet of the powerful impact of the robust RFS blending levels finalized by the Trump EPA earlier this year," Shaw said in a statement.

"A major facility is coming back online, creating new demand for Iowa-grown soybeans and creating good-paying jobs in rural Iowa. IRFA strongly urges the Trump administration to maintain the RFS and to reject any actions that would reverse course. As the saying goes -- if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Todd Neeley can be reached at todd.neeley@dtn.com

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