PBF Energy Inc. may convert an idled hydrocracker unit at its Chalmette refinery near New Orleans into a renewable diesel production complex, which could expand the job force and other opportunities.

refineries

The refining giant said it may invest $550 million to retrofit one hydrocracker unit that has been out of operation since 2010. Also being considered is a pretreatment unit that would allow the complex to create feedstocks from soybean oil, corn oil and other biogenically derived fats and oils.

“The devastating economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the energy industry is undeniable,” said PBF Chalmette refining manager Steven Krynski. “We’ve seen eight U.S. refineries shut down since the beginning of 2020, including one down the road in St. James Parish.

“PBF...