Bunge Chevron JV announces construction of oilseed processing facility in Louisiana
In a significant move to bolster the renewable fuels market, Bunge, a leader in oilseed processing and a key supplier of specialty plant-based oils and fats headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A., and global integrated energy company Chevron revealed plans for their joint venture, Bunge Chevron Ag Renewables LLC, to establish a cutting-edge oilseed processing plant in Destrehan, Louisiana, U.S.A.. This strategic development, celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony, is located adjacent to the venture’s current Gulf Coast processing operations.
Designed with versatility in mind, the new facility is set to process a variety of oilseeds, including soybeans and softseeds like winter canola and CoverCress. Slated for completion in 2026, the plant aims to enhance the scale and efficiency of Bunge Chevron Ag Renewables, meeting the surging demand for renewable fuel feedstocks and supporting the expanding feed and protein markets with its meal products.
Luciano Salvatierra, Bunge’s senior vice-president of Renewable Fuels, emphasised the plant’s role in the company’s broader strategy, stating, “This new facility represents a significant advancement in our efforts to scale up our renewable fuels capabilities and to decrease the carbon footprint across our and our customers’ value chains.”
The project is expected to generate more than 150 construction jobs and create 30 permanent positions upon commencement of operations.
Stacey Orlandi, Chevron Renewable Energy Group’s manufacturing director, highlighted the plant’s innovative potential, “This investment not only supports the agricultural sector and consumers but also contributes to reducing the carbon intensity of transportation fuels.”
Bunge Chevron Ag Renewables leverages Bunge’s oilseed processing expertise and Chevron’s renewable fuels production and marketing knowledge. The joint venture operates with Bunge managing the U.S. processing plants in Destrehan, Louisiana, and Cairo, Illinois, while Chevron secures the rights to the oil produced for use in lower carbon intensity transportation fuels.
