GBF Officially Launches €30 Million Low-Carbon Biofuel Terminal in Cork Harbour

Green Biofuels Ltd. (GBF), a global leader in advanced sustainable biofuels, today officially launched Ireland’s first dedicated biofuel terminal at Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, driving forward the nation’s sustainable energy agenda. Operated by Irish subsidiary Green D Project Limited, the GBF facility will be used to import, export, store and distribute its flagship Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) biofuel called Gd+ an advanced drop-in diesel replacement with an up to 90% reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions and significant local air quality benefits reducing tailpipe emissions by up to 85% compared to fossil diesel.

Purchased in 2022, GBF has significantly redeveloped the six-acre site reversing more than 10 years of neglect with an invested capital of approximately €30 million. The company will initially use 38 million litres of the terminal’s 54 million litre capacity thereby increasing Ireland’s total 2021 recorded HVO biofuel imports by 375% from 8 million litres. Part of the redevelopment involved repurposing five-cylinder storage tanks, extensive safety updates, engineering and concrete works, and the commissioning of a full-service 24/7 refuelling station.

The company has also agreed with the Port of Cork Company the use of a dedicated jetty with a 259m berth that will be used to pump HVO biofuel directly to and from vessels. Utilising its unique location, the terminal will act as both an import facility to service the accelerating demand for HVO biofuel in Ireland and as an overseas supply hub contributing to national export revenues.

Made from waste biomass feedstocks, waste vegetable oils and animal fats, HVO biofuel is already helping to reduce CO2e emissions across a wide range of industries, including construction, haulage and freight, shipping, and agriculture. Supplied to some of the world’s leading brands such as Microsoft, Lidl, Amazon, GBF’s clean,  Gd+HVO and advanced biofuel products, as direct drop-in alternatives to diesel. It is certified to the highest level of sustainability standards – meaning no virgin crops are required, and the products are low carbon from waste to engine with no engine modification necessary.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr. Audrey Buckley, Deputising for the Mayor of the County of Cork, said, “This low-carbon fuel terminal demonstrates ongoing commitments by industry to create a sustainable and thriving economy. By transitioning towards cleaner and greener fuel alternatives our ability to meet climate targets both in the short and long-term are strengthened. The establishment of such facilities will play a pivotal role in helping to make a more environmentally friendly future a reality.”

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Deirdre Forde added, “GBF have successfully created a ground-breaking facility from what was a brownfield site for more than a decade. The significant investment in this cutting-edge biofuel terminal will not only lead to a reduction in carbon emissions but also benefit both the local and national economies through job creation. It is important that as a society, we commit to taking the necessary actions to reduce our carbon emissions by offering greener fuel solutions to our business community and in doing so foster a positive impact for our shared climate future.”

Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Cork Company added, “This launch marks a significant step towards Ireland’s green energy future. We are delighted to welcome GBF to Cork Harbour and look forward to working together in partnership over the next number of years, as we transition to NetZero. Low-carbon, renewable fuels such as GBF’s Gd45 Powered by Shell, can offer a sustainable solution to many organisations and industries by providing a viable drop-in replacement alternative to diesel. From a PoCC perspective, having this facility on our doorstep gives us 24/7 access to sustainable energy and we are going to be using this fuel to power our cranes and vessels going forward so that we too play our part in making Ireland’s economy more sustainable.”

William Tebbit, Chief Executive Officer at GBF stated, “Cork Harbour is a prime location, home to a welcoming and pro-business community with a strong sustainability ethos. It is an ideal energy hub with excellent access and infrastructure which will enable us to supply customers all over Ireland and the UK now and in the future. At GBF we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of transport and energy. Our mission is to ensure the transition to net zero is practical, cost-effective and successful. Clean, advanced HVOs like our Gd45 Powered by Shell are not a replacement for pure renewable alternatives, instead, they can help to reduce emissions immediately while new long-term solutions are rolled-out and adopted alongside.”