FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Lucy Norton, Managing Director, 515-225-9242
Monte Shaw, Executive Director, 515-225-9242

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2006

Green Plains Renewable Energy Begins Construction on Ethanol Plant Near Superior
Plant Will Be Second in Iowa for Company

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today congratulated Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. for beginning construction on an ethanol refinery near Superior, Iowa. The refinery will process more than 18 million bushels of corn into 50 million gallons of ethanol and 150,000 tons of distillers grains annually. Once operational, the facility is expected to employ more than 33 people.

“The Iowa ethanol industry continues to grow and we thank Green Plains Renewable Energy for locating their second ethanol refinery in the state,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Iowa continues to lead the nation in biofuels production because of our ample corn and soybean supply, growing livestock industry and quality work force. ”

Agra Industries of Merrill, Wisconsin will be the design builder of the refinery and will incorporate Delta -T technology for the plant’s operation.

GPRE President Barry Ellsworth said today, “We are extremely happy to announce the commencement of construction at our second plant in Iowa in less than a year. We believe this is a significant achievement and a very important milestone for the Company. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone within the State of Iowa that has helped us with these two projects, including the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Iowa Department of Transportation, and the various local governmental authorities that have worked so diligently to further our projects. ”

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production. Currently, Iowa has 25 ethanol refineries with the capacity to produce nearly 1.6 billion gallons annually. There are 7 ethanol refineries under construction or expansion that will add 475 million gallons of annual capacity. In addition, Iowa has 13 biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of over 250 million gallons either in operation or under construction. Many additional renewable fuels projects are under development.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s ethanol and biodiesel producers. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.