By Jamie Martin
A major biofuel facility in Shelbyville, Illinois, will soon undergo a significant expansion to meet growing demand for clean fuels and agricultural feed products. The project will nearly double the facility’s ethanol production capacity while also strengthening grain markets for local farmers.
"This expansion reflects POET's confidence in the future of biofuels and our commitment to American agriculture and domestic energy production," said Jeff Lautt, POET President and COO. "By growing this facility, we're strengthening markets for local farmers, creating good-paying rural jobs, and ensuring we can meet the growing global demand for our suite of bioproducts."
After expansion, the plant’s annual ethanol output will increase from roughly 98 million gallons to nearly 193 million gallons. Production of corn oil and dried distillers grains, which are widely used in livestock feeding, will also double. These improvements will allow the facility to supply more feed products to regional livestock producers and strengthen agricultural supply chains.
The expansion is expected to create about 20 new full-time jobs. These new positions will support plant operations and help boost economic activity in nearby rural communities. The increased production capacity will also raise local grain demand, giving farmers more reliable market opportunities during times of low commodity prices.
"The hard work and dedication of the POET team are what make this kind of growth possible," said Jason Lucas, General Manager of POET Bioprocessing. "We're proud of the work we do and grateful for the support of this community, and we look forward to continue investing and delivering value for many years to come."
The expanded plant will also be positioned to support new market developments, including growth in higher ethanol blends and future clean energy solutions such as carbon capture. These markets are expected to play a key role in supporting environmental sustainability while maintaining strong economic returns for rural areas.
Construction on the project is scheduled to begin in March 2026, with completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2027. During the construction period, upgrades will focus on improving capacity, efficiency, and long-term performance of the facility.
This investment highlights the continuing role of biofuels in supporting clean energy goals, strengthening farm markets, and creating steady rural employment. By expanding production capacity and developing new market opportunities, POET is helping ensure long-term growth for agriculture and rural communities.
Photo Credit: vista-mipan
Categories: National