NFR, La. Team Up for Bio-Refineries

PLAQUEMINE, La.—Gov. Bobby Jindal and Frank Randazzo, COO of NFR BioEnergy, announced on Monday that the company will make a $312 million capital investment to install bio-refineries at more than ten sugar refining hubs in South Louisiana, subject to completing lease and biomass agreements with sugar mills.

“When we took office in 2008, we targeted key industries where we could help existing employers grow and thrive, and that includes our agriculture industry,” said Jindal. “Our sugar cane farmers have used innovation to create a greater product yield through breeding techniques, higher-performing equipment and the daily application of their ingenuity. We are proud to have attracted--for the second time this month--an innovative manufacturer that will be supporting and helping to grow the sugar cane industry here in our state.”

NFR BioEnergy will convert sugar-cane waste, known as bagasse, into hardened energy pellets for use as fuel at global power plants. NFR BioEnergy has begun development of the first bio-refinery in White Castle, La., where it is co-locating the facility with the Cora Texas Sugar Mill.

Pending the agreements, NFR BioEnergy will construct a series of bio-refineries across South Louisiana's sugar cane-growing region and create 450 new direct jobs, with an average salary of $54,000 a year, plus benefits. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 1,903 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 2,300 new jobs in the state.

NFR BioEnergy, now based in Plandome, N.Y., will move its headquarters to White Castle as it completes the first part of the project. A demonstration bio-refinery will begin operations soon at the Cora Texas Sugar Mill, where NFR BioEnergy is leasing 15 acres. A larger, commercial-scale bio-refinery also is being developed at that site with a targeted completion in time for the 2015 sugar cane growing and refining season.

“NFR is choosing to invest in Louisiana due to the dynamic sugar industry, hard-working people and business-friendly community,” Randazzo said. “The state of Louisiana and its people have welcomed us with open arms and we look forward to contributing as active members of the community.”