January 30, 2025

Castlerock Biofuels selects Millinocket, Maine for renewable fuel oil facility

Dear Friends and Supporters of Our Katahdin,

We are thrilled to share some exciting news that represents a major milestone in our mission to revitalize the Katahdin region. Castlerock Biofuels LLC, through its subsidiary EME Biofuels, LLC, has selected One North, our industrial park in Millinocket, Maine, as the site for its new renewable fuel oil facility.

This development will benefit the Katahdin Region and Maine’s Forest Product industry.

The new facility, which will be located within One North (the former Great Northern Paper mill site) will use advanced thermal processing (RTP®) technology developed by Ensyn Corporation to convert renewable logging residue into up to 20 million gallons of Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oil (RFO®) annually. This renewable heating oil alternative will serve large institutional customers across the U.S. Northeast.

Economic Impact & Job Creation

This project is expected to deliver significant benefits to our community, including:

  • Up to 150 construction jobs during peak development.
  • Approximately 80 full-time jobs once operational, with training and internship opportunities.
  • 92 additional jobs in the forestry supply chain, supporting the harvest and transport of feedstock and finished fuel.
  • Increased tax revenue and economic growth as supporting industries develop around the facility.

Looking Ahead

Key project milestones include:

  • Permitting: Currently in progress, with approvals expected soon.
  • Financing: Debt and equity funding anticipated to close in 2025.
  • Construction Start: Approximately six months after funding closes.
  • Full Operations: Expected by 2027.

As Sean DeWitt, President of Our Katahdin, aptly put it, this project is a perfect blend of our proud history and our hopeful future. It honors our rich legacy in forest products while pioneering the next generation of sustainable industry in Millinocket.

We are deeply grateful for your continued support as we work with Castlerock Biofuels, Ensyn, the Town of Millinocket, and our valued partners to bring this project to life. Your commitment to Our Katahdin makes these transformative opportunities possible, and we look forward to keeping you updated as we move forward.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Sincerely,

The Our Katahdin Team