Verbio Commences Expansion to Construct Second Biorefinery in North America

Verbio continues to advance its growth strategy in the USA. A groundbreaking event took place in South Bend, Indiana, marking the expansion of the ethanol plant acquired by Verbio in May 2023. The aim is to transform it into an innovative biorefinery, integrating both bioethanol and biomethane production. Company representatives and political figures convened for the event on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in South Bend.

Claus Sauter, CEO of Verbio SE, was present in South Bend. He stated, “In the USA, Verbio capitalize on advantageous circumstances such as affordable energy and raw material costs, ample biomass reservoirs, strong infrastructure, and enduring policy frameworks. Over time, we anticipate producing more ethanol and biomethane in our facilities in Nevada, Iowa, and South Bend, Indiana, exceeding our current production levels in Germany.”

Groundbreaking Event at Verbio's South Bend, Indiana Site

The ethanol facility in South Bend stands as one of the earliest and most longstanding in the USA. Verbio acquired the plant from Mercuria Investments in May 2023 and disclosed intentions to invest a total of 230 million US dollars into the site.

With the commencement of the plant expansion, South Bend will soon feature integrated production of bioethanol and biomethane, utilizing Verbio's innovative technology and modeled after the company's German biorefineries. Approval for the expansion was granted by the City of South Bend in April 2024. Upon completion, the expanded plant will boast an annual production capacity of at least 250,000 tonnes of bioethanol and 850,000 MWh of biomethane. Commissioning of the combined bioethanol-biomethane production facility is scheduled for 2026.

The biomethane will be introduced into the local natural gas network, providing a renewable energy option for industrial purposes or as a biofuel. Additionally, the premium fertilizer generated during production will be reintroduced into agricultural practices, completing the sustainability loop.

James Mueller, South Bend's Mayor, expressed satisfaction with Verbio's expansion strategy and the beneficial impacts it will have on the local economy. He noted Verbio's position as a frontrunner in renewable methane production and emphasized their commitment to operating the ethanol plant with cutting-edge technology, thereby enhancing South Bend's clean energy profile.

Claus Sauter discussed Verbio's collaboration with the City, expressing anticipation for the creation of appealing job opportunities for South Bend residents and those in the neighboring regions. He highlighted the company's commitment to expanding its presence in the renewable energy sector in the Midwestern United States.

The South Bend Ethanol facility marks Verbio's second biorefinery endeavor in the USA. The company's initial plant in Nevada, Iowa, has been producing biomethane from maize straw since 2021. The expansion in South Bend aligns with the introduction of combined bioethanol-biomethane production at the Nevada plant, slated to commence in the near future.