American agribusiness Cargill announced this month that work was completed on a new advanced biodiesel production plant in Ghent, Belgium that will supply renewable fuel to the maritime and trucking sectors.

The site is one of Europe’s biggest waste-to-biofuel facilities. Cargill installed technology at the site to transform all varieties of liquid waste oils and fats – including tallow, used cooking oils, and residues from edible oil manufacturing – into biodiesel.

“By leveraging advanced waste-processing technology, we are providing an innovative solution that meets global renewable energy demands, respects environmental needs, and helps customers realize greenhouse gas commitments,” Alexis Cazin, managing director, Cargill Biodiesel & Carbon EMEA, said in a release. “But the benefits are much broader, especially when considered alongside our global portfolio of alternative fuels, as they offer a bridge toward a future, decarbonized transportation system.”

Production at the Ghent plant will help Cargill meet rising demand for biodiesel for heavy duty trucks and maritime shipping vessels. Transportation accounts for about 25% of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the company.

“Biofuels are one step in the journey, not the end goal itself,” said Philippa Purser, president of Cargill’s Agriculture Supply Chain business in EMEA, in a statement. “There is no single solution to address the world’s current energy challenge. That’s why we continue to invest and support a range of solutions and will continue to innovate greener technologies.”

Cargill invested $150 million to transform an existing oilseeds crush and biodiesel plant in Ghent into the new facility. Up to 115,000 mt/yr of renewable fuel will be made at the site.