In a breakthrough for the biodiesel industry, Husch Blackwell client Benefuel Inc., has completed agreements with Koch Industries subsidiary Flint Hills Resources Renewables LLC for the development of refineries that operate with Benefuel’s unique process. The two companies have formed a joint venture – Duonix LLC – that is retrofitting an idled plant in Beatrice, Neb., for future production. Benefuel’s patented ENSEL® technology generates high yields of biodiesel from low-cost feedstock, such as ethanol refining leftovers, waste vegetable oils, animal fats and unrefined oils. The Beatrice project – the first of many planned in the United States – is being funded partially by Japan’s ITOCHU Corp., which is also expected to be a joint venture partner in Asia.
Husch Blackwell has aided Benefuel in numerous transactions over the past four years to bring about this partnership with Flint Hills, which Benefuel CEO Rob Tripp described as a “committed collaboration of two, world-class corporations.”
The Husch Blackwell team was led by Partners David Gardels and Tori Sitz. Additional team members included Chris Bikus, Bob Green, Cedric Ireland, John Menicucci and David Raymond.
A detailed release regarding the joint venture is available on Benefuel’s website.
Husch Blackwell represents clients throughout the energy and natural resources sectors, providing a full range of legislative, regulatory, transactional, commercial and litigation services. Members of the firm’s Energy group understand the evolving energy and natural resources sectors and help clients take advantage of a constantly changing environment to achieve their strategic goals.