Western Iowa Energy, LLC
1220 S Center Street, PO Box 399 , Wall Lake, Iowa, United States

Western Iowa Energy, LLC is governed by a 7 member board of investors and employs approximately thirty employees from the local area.  Our mission is to operate strategically with our partners to manufacture, sell and deliver superior quality Biodiesel at an equitable return to our investors.

The Biodiesel industry is growing at a rapid pace across the nation. Western Iowa Energy is a BQ9000 Accredited Producer and is capable of producing 30 million gallons annually. Western Iowa Energy has the flexibility to turn multiple feedstocks into Biodiesel due to our specialized pre-treatment facility. Biodiesel is a clean burning fuel that is nearly carbon-neutral meaning it contributes almost zero emissions towards global warming as well as fairly dramatically reducing other emissions. Biodiesel makes sense both economically and environmentally for the state of Iowa.

What is biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement that is reducing U.S. dependence on foreign petroleum, creating jobs and improving the environment. Made from a diverse mix of feedstocks including recycled cooking oil, soybean oil, and animal fats, it is the first and only EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel in commercial-scale production across the country and the first to reach 1 billion gallons of annual production. Meeting strict technical fuel quality and engine performance specifications, it can be used in existing diesel engines without modification and is covered by all major engine manufacturers warranties, most often in blends of up to 5 percent or 20 percent biodiesel. It is produced at plants in nearly every state in the country.     With just over a decade of commercial-scale production, the industry is proud of its careful approach to growth and strong focus on sustainability. The biodiesel market has increased from about 25 million gallons in the early 2000s to more than 2.8 billion gallons of advanced biofuel in 2016. This represents a small but growing component of the annual U.S. on-road diesel market of about 35 billion to 40 billion gallons. Consistent with projected feedstock availability, the industry has established a goal of producing about 10 percent of the diesel transportation market by 2022.     Reaching that goal would significantly lessen U.S. dependence on imported oil, bolstering national security and reducing our trade deficit. At the same time, biodiesels growth would boost the U.S. economy, not just by creating jobs but also by reducing our dependence on global oil markets and vulnerability to price spikes. There are currently about 200 biodiesel plants across the country – from Washington state to Iowa to North Carolina – with registered capacity to produce some 3 billion gallons of fuel. The industry is supporting nearly 48,000 jobs, generating billions of dollars in GDP, household income and tax revenues. The industrys economic impact is poised to grow significantly with continued production increases. The industry supports jobs in a variety of sectors, from manufacturing to transportation, agriculture and service.     The EPA has recognized biodiesels environmental benefits by classifying it as an Advanced Biofuel, making biodiesel the only commercial-scale U.S. fuel produced nationwide to meet the agencys advanced criteria. According to the EPA, biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by at least 57 percent and up to 86 percent when compared to petroleum diesel – making it one of the most practical and cost-effective ways to immediately address climate change. In addition, biodiesel sharply reduces major tailpipe pollutants from petroleum diesel, particularly from older diesel vehicles. This is important because the EPA has consistently cited diesel exhaust – primarily from older trucks, buses and other vehicles – as one of the nations most dangerous pollutants.     Biodiesel is produced using a broad variety of resources. This diversity has grown significantly in recent years, helping shape a nimble industry that is constantly searching for new technologies and feedstocks. In fact, industry demand for less expensive, reliable sources of fats and oils is stimulating promising research on next-generation feedstocks such as algae and camelina.

Western Iowa Energy Milestones

• March 2014 - Construction begins on a 500,000 gallon storage tank, miscellaneous plant upgrades and a load out expansion.
• FY 2013 - WIE had a new record year exceeding previous levels in 2011.
• November 2012 - Completed construction on two new 500,000 gallon tanks and one 150,000 gallon storage tank.
• FY 2011 - WIE had a record year both financially and with production levels.
• August 2011 - Deregistered with Securities and Exchange Commission
• December 2010 - Western Iowa Energy paid off all term debt.
• September 2010 - Western Iowa Energy entered into a product marketing and feedstock agreement with Archer-Daniels-Midland Comany (ADM). .
• February 2010 - Unit Holders Reject Purchase Offer from Renewable Energy Group.
• May 2009 - Western Iowa Energy to consider a consolidation and operation agreement with Renewable Energy Group.
• April 2008 - Political Action Committee formed.
• February 2007 - Western Iowa Energy achieved BQ9000 Accredited Producer status.
• October 2006 - Pretreatment facility scheduled to be operational.
• August 2006 - WIE Annual Meeting and Election. The investors voted to reduce board size to 7 instead of 12.
• May 2006 - Biodiesel Production began.
• June 2005 - Dirt work started
• April 2005 - Groundbreaking
• March 2005 - Equity Drive
• October 2004 - Board of 12 organized and seed capital raised
• September 2004 - Registered as Iowa limited liability company
• July 2004 - Feasibility study completed
• February 2004 - Originally organized