Refinery gas flares

Bakersfield: Large flames have been visible in the Bakersfield sky near Rosedale Highway for weeks, catching the attention of residents and commuters. These flames, known as refinery burns or flaring, are part of a safety measure used by refineries to release and burn off gases, ensuring they do not pose a danger to the environment, reported KGET.com

The flares are linked to the renewed activity at Kern County’s largest refinery, now owned by Global Clean Energy. The company purchased the facility in May 2020 with plans to convert it into a producer of renewable biodiesel fuel. After years of quiet operation and delays, the refinery is finally moving toward production.

Antonio D’Amico, Vice President of Global Clean Energy, explained that the recent refinery burns are part of the startup process. “We remain on track to commence commercial operations and to safely provide highly sustainable and ultra-low carbon finished fuels to the market; in doing so, we comply with all applicable safety and environmental regulations and maintain regular contact with all applicable agencies,” D’Amico said in a statement to 17 News.

The company’s primary goal is to produce zero-carbon fuels. It aims to manufacture renewable diesel by refining biofuels from the camelina plant and used cooking oils. The startup phase of the project began in mid-November.

“Our mission is to provide sustainable fuel alternatives that support the nation’s energy transition to a cleaner, more resilient future,” D’Amico said.

Global Clean Energy’s website notes that the company has a five-year contract with ExxonMobil to produce 210 million gallons of renewable diesel annually from the Bakersfield Biorefinery. 

For detailed information and further insights, please refer to BioEnergyTimes.com, which provides the latest news about the Biodiesel Industry