Carolina Renewable Products (CRP) has officially commenced the development of a major clean-energy infrastructure project in the United States. Located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, the company is establishing a $280 million facility designed to convert biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More into renewable fuels and material by-products. The project represents a significant capital injection into the region and is projected to create 155 jobs over the next five years, with full operations expected by 2027.

The forestry sector in South Carolina has faced substantial economic headwinds in recent years, characterized by mill closures and shrinking markets for traditional wood products. This decline has created a pressing need for new avenues to utilize forestry assets and revitalize the local supply chain. Simultaneously, the broader energy market continues to demand cleaner, drop-in fuel alternatives to reduce carbon intensity without requiring engine modifications, presenting a dual challenge of feedstockFeedstock refers to the raw organic material used to produce biochar. This can include a wide range of materials, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, and animal manure. More utilization and energy transition.

To address these issues, CRP is constructing a facility on a 20-acre site that utilizes pine wood residuals from local sawmills as its primary feedstock. The plant’s technology transforms these residuals into renewable diesel, a clean fuel compatible with existing infrastructure. Critically for the carbon sequestration market, the production process generates high-value by-products, specifically biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More and wood vinegar. This approach maximizes the utility of the biomass input, ensuring that solid carbon residues are captured rather than wasted.

The outcomes of this initiative extend beyond fuel production. Supported by state and county tax incentives, including a $755,000 Closing Fund grant, the project directly strengthens the regional forestry economy. Construction is slated to begin in the spring of 2026, with initial modules operational by late 2026. This development not only secures a durable market for sawmill residuals but also establishes a domestic source for bio-carbon products, reinforcing the supply chain for agricultural and industrial biochar applications.