Verbio breaks ground on South Bend biorefinery expansion

Verbio, a leading renewable energy company, has officially commenced the expansion of its ethanol plant in South Bend, Indiana, U.S.A. This development marks the establishment of Verbio’s second biorefinery in the United States, enhancing its capabilities to produce bioethanol and biomethane.

The project involves a significant investment of EUR230 million (USD248 million) and aims to integrate bioethanol-biomethane production at the South Bend facility. Upon completion, the plant is expected to produce at least 250,000 tonnes of bioethanol and 850,000 megawatt-hour (MWh) of biomethane annually. The biomethane will be injected into the regional natural gas grid, serving as a biofuel and a renewable energy source for industrial applications. High-quality fertiliser produced during the process will be returned to agricultural use, promoting sustainability.

Strategic growth in the U.S.A.

Verbio’s CEO, Claus Sauter, highlighted the favourable conditions in the U.S.A. that support such expansions, including low energy and raw material costs, abundant biomass, robust infrastructure, and supportive political decisions. “In the medium term, our plants in Nevada, Iowa, and South Bend, Indiana will outproduce our facilities in Germany,” Sauter remarked.

James Mueller, mayor of South Bend, expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting its positive impact on the regional economy and the addition of state-of-the-art technology to the local clean energy portfolio. Sauter also emphasised the creation of attractive employment opportunities for the local community as part of Verbio’s commitment to sustainable growth in the Midwestern United States.

Background and future plans

Verbio acquired the South Bend ethanol plant from Mercuria Investments in May 2023. The company’s first U.S. biorefinery in Nevada, Iowa, has been producing biomethane from maize straw since 2021, and is set to launch combined bioethanol-biomethane production in the coming weeks. The South Bend facility’s combined production is scheduled to commence in 2026.

For further details about Verbio and its projects, visit Verbio’s website.

About Verbio

Verbio is a global leader in converting biomass into climate-friendly fuels, green energy, and renewable products for the chemical and agricultural industries. With operations in Europe, Asia, and North America, Verbio employs more than 1,000 people. The company’s mission is to drive the transition towards climate neutrality and ecological production through innovative technologies and sustainable solutions. Verbio shares are listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and the company is headquartered in Zörbig, Germany.