Carolina Renewable Products has officially launched construction of its first renewable diesel manufacturing facility in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, marking a major $280 million investment in the state’s clean-energy sector.
The project, reported by Biomass Magazine, is expected to create 155 jobs over the next five years and strengthen demand for locally sourced forestry by-products.
Facility Details and Feedstock Strategy
The new plant is being developed on a 20-acre site at 546 Prosperity Drive in Orangeburg. It will use pine wood by-products from nearby sawmills as feedstock to produce renewable diesel — a low-carbon fuel that can be used in existing diesel engines without modification.
Alongside renewable diesel, the facility will also produce biochar and wood vinegar, adding further value streams from the biomass conversion process.
Construction Timeline
Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, with initial production units expected to come online by the end of 2026. The plant is targeting full operational capacity in 2027, according to the company.
Economic and Industry Impact
Chief Executive Officer Robert Bryan said the investment reflects a long-term commitment to job creation, innovation and expanding clean fuel production in South Carolina.
He noted that Orangeburg was selected after careful evaluation and offers the right combination of infrastructure, workforce and access to forestry resources.
State and county officials highlighted that the project will provide a boost to South Carolina’s forestry industry, which has faced pressure from mill closures and declining demand in recent years.
Public Support and Incentives
The renewable diesel project is being supported through county tax incentives, along with a $755,000 grant from the Coordinating Council for Economic Development’s Closing Fund and a $200,000 grant from the South Carolina Secretary of Agriculture.
Officials said the incentives reflect the project’s potential to deliver long-term economic, environmental and industrial benefits to the region.