Bud Bell
bbell@altairfuels.com
Then: In 2007 I was an energy consultant working with a group of investors to purchase an oil refinery to make petroleum transportation fuels and power plant fuel. At that time, renewable diesel and jet fuel were unknown to me. “I was the designer and builder of the AltAir Fuels renewable jet fuel plant in Paramount, Ca. That was a five year effort, including help in finding investors, as well as working with UOP and others.
Now: At the current time I am developing other renewable fuels plants in California. The times are right for renewable diesel and jet, but investors are still hard to come by.” I spent nearly 45 years “boiling oil” and frankly the refining business was getting stale for me.
Inspirations: Renewables are exciting and represent a true paradigm change in energy. Reducing green house gases do matter to me and I like doing my part to make it happen. I also like the creation of new jobs in places where they are badly needed. I hope to be doing this kind of work for another 10 years.
Challenges: The most challenging thing at this time is finding investors to put into the revamping of existing facilities to make renewable fuels. The next biggest challenge will be feed stocks, followed by product marketing. Long term, keeping credits flowing to sustain the industry will be key – this and other political issues which continually challenge the industry.
Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse
