About two hours northeast of Los Angeles, in the Mojave Desert, lies the city of Barstow, California. Why is this city of around 30,000 residents suddenly in the news?
Because T Bros Oil & Gas Co. has confirmed plans to open there a state-of-the-art renewable diesel depot this summer.
The depot's chosen site, located at 2957 Lenwood Road, won't be far from the $1.5 billion Barstow International Gateway (BIG) project which, upon completion, will be a 4,800-acre rail yard, intermodal facility, and logistics park. Construction is currently slated to get underway late next year.
All told, an estimated 20,000 jobs will be created covering a range of roles, such as logistics, rail operations, and logistics. Although the city of Barstow is relatively small, it has a significant benefit: location.
T Bros Oil & Gas Co.
The BIG project will be near I-15 and Highway 58. This is convenient because it'll help push for additional industrial growth along this corridor and, at the same time, will boost the region's standing as a fuel distribution point via the Kinder Morgan CALNEV pipeline.
When the depot opens, it'll initially offer Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) along with modern systems for efficient rack loading, precise blending, secure storage, and high-capacity throughput.
By the end of the year, the company intends to add to the facility a so-called "mini-refinery" for the sole purpose of producing renewable diesel.
Renewable diesel, an increasingly popular and cleaner alternative to traditional petroleum-based diesel, is produced from sources like vegetable oils and animal fats. It's a drop-in biofuel, meaning it can be used in conventional diesel engines without any modifications.
Fleets using biodiesel will score bragging rights by helping to reduce emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons.
"This depot is a cornerstone of sustainable commerce," said CTO Timothy Wetzel. "It supports the growth driven by the Barstow International Gateway while enabling businesses to achieve environmental and operational excellence, cementing Barstow's transformation into a premier green logistics hub for California and beyond."
