Tidewater Renewables marks first renewable diesel production, new CEO

Tidewater Renewables’ HDRD Complex in Prince George, B.C., produced its first renewable diesel on Oct. 22 and, as of Nov. 7, has progressed to commercial operations. The facility is currently producing approximately 1,500 bbl/d of on-spec cold weather diesel and the corporation is actively working on safely increasing production rates towards the facility’s 3,000 bbl/d design capacity.

Gross project costs are expected to increase by $10.2 million, due to increased man hours resulting from the delay in commercial operations and the addition of incremental insulation and heat tracing. However, the project’s economics remain attractive, with payback expected within two to three years. The HDRD Complex makes Tidewater Renewables the first standalone producer of renewable diesel in Canada.

On Nov. 8, Robert Colcleugh was appointed chief executive officer of both Tidewater Renewables and Tidewater Midstream and Infrastructure Ltd. Colcleugh joined Tidewater Midstream’s board of directors in 2017 and was appointed interim chief executive officer of both Tidewater Midstream and Tidewater Renewables in November 2022. During his tenure as interim chief executive officer, he successfully led the commissioning of the HDRD Complex and Tidewater Midstream’s strategic asset review.

“The launching of the HDRD Complex’s commercial operations signifies a step change in the evolution of Tidewater Renewables’ business model. It also marks the arrival of Canada as one of the few countries in the world that produce renewable diesel. The completion of this project was not without challenges, but with unwavering support from the British Columbia government, the City of Prince George, our capital providers, and our team’s relentless dedication, we got it done. With the completion of the HDRD Complex, Tidewater Renewables is dedicated to strengthening its financial position, reducing its debt, and progressing our strong pipeline of renewables projects” said Colcleugh.