Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (REG) is an American renewable fuels company headquartered in Ames, Iowa. The corporation is a leading producer of biodiesel and other advanced biofuels, operating a network of production facilities across the United States and internationally. REG is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “REG”.
History
- 1991 – Founded as the Iowa Renewable Energy Company, a joint venture between the Iowa State University and private investors, to develop and commercialize biodiesel technology.
- 2005 – Renamed Renewable Energy Group, Inc., and began expanding its production capacity through the acquisition of existing biodiesel plants.
- 2008–2015 – Continued growth through multiple acquisitions, including the purchase of Bunge’s biodiesel assets (2015) and the acquisition of the biodiesel operations of New England Biofuels (2012).
- 2020 – Completed the acquisition of NatureWorks’ renewable fuels assets, further diversifying its product portfolio.
Operations
- REG operates more than a dozen biorefineries with a combined annual production capacity exceeding 1 billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel.
- The company produces renewable diesel, a hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel that meets ASTM D975 specifications and can be used as a drop‑in replacement for petroleum diesel.
- Feedstock sources include soybean oil, used cooking oil, animal fats, and other renewable oils.
- REG supplies fuel to transportation, aviation, and industrial markets, and its products are sold under the “REG” brand as well as through third‑party distributors.
Financial and Corporate Structure
- As of the 2023 fiscal year, Renewable Energy Group reported revenues of approximately $3.5 billion and a net income of about $280 million.
- The company’s corporate governance includes a board of directors and executive leadership team responsible for strategic planning, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory compliance.
- REG adheres to environmental, health, and safety standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulatory bodies.
Sustainability and Regulatory Context
- Renewable Energy Group’s products contribute to reductions in greenhouse‑gas emissions relative to conventional petroleum diesel, qualifying for Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance credits under U.S. law.
- The company reports lifecycle greenhouse‑gas emissions data in accordance with the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Model for Biodiesel (GREET) methodology.
- REG participates in industry collaborations aimed at advancing the commercialization of low‑carbon fuels and improving feedstock sustainability.
Recent Developments
- In 2024, Renewable Energy Group announced plans to expand its renewable diesel capacity in the Midwest with a new 500‑million‑gallon‑per‑year facility slated for completion in 2026.
- The company has also invested in research and development projects focused on next‑generation feedstocks, including algae‑derived oils and waste‑derived lipids.
References
- Renewable Energy Group, Inc. Annual Report 2023.
- United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings for Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (Form 10‑K, 2023).
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Renewable Fuel Standard Program.
All information reflects publicly available data up to 2024 and is presented in an objective, neutral tone.
