South Bend, Ind., plant undergoes retrofits in anticipation of restart

A 100 MMGy ethanol plant in South Bend, Ind., purchased by Noble America South Bend Ethanol LLC, a subsidiary of Noble Americas Corp., in mid-2013 is expected to resume operations later this year following the completion of retrofits underway by ICM Inc. The facility, formerly owned by New Energy Corp., has been idle for more than a year. 

“The initial retrofit activity is intended to be a starting point to improve ethanol yield, energy efficiencies and facility automation,” said Bill Paulson, director of ICM plant services and general manager of ICM affiliate Energy Management Solutions Inc. Retrofit activities kicked off in December and could be complete as soon as May. 

Once initial improvement activities are complete, Paulson said the current plan is for EMS to commence operations of the plant under a contract with Noble Americas. “EMS, ICM and Noble America will then evaluate the priorities for additional retrofit activities, which may include more advanced ICM processing technology upgrades,” he said.