Christopher Anderson {pictured}, Senior Analytics Analyst for Ames based Renewable Energy Group {REG}  recently spoke at the Thursday weekly Ames Golden K meeting, which continues to be held via ZOOM. 

REG, formerly known as West Central Cooperative, has been in business for 20 years. Ames has been its headquarters since 2007, where 300 are currently employed.  They have an international presence in Germany and the Netherlands where 850 employees support two bio refineries 

Reg’s main energy initiative is to become a major provider of renewable fuels produced domestically, reducing reliance on the Mid East for fuel.  Fuels produced and distributed at 45 nationwide terminals and 13 bio refineries, encompassing 49 states, include biodiesel, renewable diesel, and a startup Jet biodiesel operation located in Louisiana.  REG’s operations produce 25% of the total yearly USA supply of 2.4 Billion gallons. Biodiesel is environmentally friendly, as it reduces carbon by 85%.

In response to one of many questions from Golden K members, Mr. Anderson noted that government regulations can sometimes hinder progress in the renewable fuels industry.  Anderson also stated that REG and its employees are heavily involved in many Ames area philanthropies.