While the Martinez conversion project is still being evaluated, seeking permits is an important step toward producing lower-carbon-intensity fuels in California for California. If the project is commissioned, the Martinez facility would be expected to start producing renewable diesel in 2022, with a build to full capacity in 2023.
At full capacity, Marathon would expect to produce about 736 million gal./yr of renewable fuels – predominately diesel – from such biobased feedstocks as animal fat, soybean oil and corn oil.
In line with its company-wide commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 30% below 2014 levels by 2030, Marathon’s conversion of the Martinez facility from a petroleum refinery to a renewable diesel facility is anticipated to reduce the facility’s greenhouse gas emissions by 70%, total criteria air pollutants by 70% and water use by 1 billion gal.yr.
The Martinez project would join a portfolio of Marathon renewable fuels projects that have been ongoing for years, including the conversion of the Dickinson, North Dakota, refinery to a renewable diesel plant; investment in its advanced biofuels subsidiary, Virent; biodiesel production at Marathon’s Cincinnati facility; and ethanol production through a Midwest joint venture.