Iowa biodiesel, soybean groups celebrate Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory opening

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, center, was among the invited guests at the new lab’s grand opening Feb. 7. (Photo: Iowa Central Community College)

The Iowa Biodiesel Board and Iowa Soybean Association are celebrating the grand opening of the newly expanded, state-designated Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

The upgraded facility enhances Iowa’s role in ensuring biofuels meet the highest quality standards demanded by the market.

Photo: Iowa Central Community College

A division Iowa Central Community College, the independently run facility has played a critical role in verifying fuel quality for biodiesel producers in Iowa and across the country, the groups said.

The lab was established in 2010, during a time when biodiesel producers were challenged by limited access to third-party testing.

Leaders of ISA saw an opportunity to improve fuel quality and collaborated with Iowa Central and other partners to secure $250,000 in state funding for testing equipment, as well as additional federal funding.

Kimberley, speaking, with Steve Howell, longtime biodiesel fuel-quality expert and senior technical advisor for Clean Fuels Alliance America. (Photo: Iowa Central Community College)

“The Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory has been a game-changer for the biodiesel industry,” said Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, who spoke at the grand opening.

The lab has set the standard for quality assurance, Kimberley said, becoming the first in the nation to be accredited under the BQ-9000 biodiesel fuel-quality program.

“This lab is an essential asset for biodiesel producers, ensuring fuel quality and supporting Iowa’s leadership in the renewable fuels industry,” Kimberley said. “We congratulate Iowa Central on this achievement and look forward to their continued contributions to renewable fuels.”

The expanded lab includes new cetane- and octane-rating engines along with several new pieces of equipment that will allow testing of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

While the lab’s roots are in biofuels testing, it serves customers nationwide and internationally, analyzing a variety of fuels.

Tom Adam, ISA president-elect and a soybean farmer from Harper, Iowa, emphasized the lab’s growing role in fuel innovation and importance to the state’s agriculture industry.

“Iowa farmers have greatly benefited from the lab’s work in helping to support and grow the renewable fuels sector, which ultimately drives demand for the crops we produce,” he said. “The lab has long served as a hub for innovation and fuel-quality assurance for clean fuels, and we look forward to its continued success with this expansion.”