A meat processor and an oil company are joining forces to turn fat into clean energy. The nation's third largest oil company, ConocoPhillips Co., is teaming up with the largest U.S. meat processor, Tyson Foods Inc. to create renewable diesel fuel, which will help supplement the traditional petroleum-based diesel fuel supply. After capital expenditures allowing the firms to produce the fuel in several refineries, the finished product will be renewable diesel fuel mixtures that meet all federal standards for ultra-low-sulfur diesel. Production is expected to ramp up over time to as much as 175 million gallons per year. The processing technology was developed at ConocoPhillips, which began commercial production of renewable diesel using soybean oil in Ireland late last year.

The animal fats, consisting of beef, pork and poultry by-products, will be processed with hydrocarbon feedstocks to produce a high-quality diesel fuel. One benefit of the renewable diesel is that it can be produced and distributed using existing refineries and distribution systems. Richard Bond, Tyson president and CEO said "This strategic alliance is a big win for the entire agricultural sector because it paves the way for greater participation of fats and oils in renewable fuels."

See the press release from ConocoPhillips

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