FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Monte Shaw, 515-252-6249

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 29, 2007

Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. Begins Production at Ethanol Refinery near Shenandoah

Iowa Now Has 29 Operating Ethanol Refineries and 18 Under Construction or Expansion

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today congratulated Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. (GPRE) for beginning production at its ethanol refinery near Shenandoah, Iowa.  The plant processes more than 18 million bushels of corn into 50 million gallons of ethanol and 150,000 tons of distillers grains annually and employs 33 people.  GPRE has a second ethanol refinery under construction near Superior, Iowa.

“As a native of Shenandoah, this is a proud day for our city, the state, and the renewable fuels industry,” said Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director.  “Green Plains Renewable Energy is the latest, most advanced ethanol refinery in the country.  It is also a testament to the innovative drive of renewable fuel producers.  GPRE found ways to overcome any hurdle thrown in its path.  Because of that spirit, the future for renewable fuels is very bright.”

Fagen, Inc., the Granite Falls, Minnesota design-build contractor, will oversee the construction and incorporate a process design provided by ICM, Inc. of Colwich, Kansas.

“This is a very exciting time for our company,” stated GPRE CEO Wayne Hoovestol.  “As all ethanol producers know quite well, in addition to finding skilled personnel, there is a sizeable monetary investment, lots of hard work, and even some luck required to get a plant to the operating stage.  I would like to thank our shareholders, our employees, Fagen, Inc., ICM, Inc., the city of Shenandoah, our grain suppliers and everyone else that has helped Green Plains bring this plant into operation.  Now that we are through the construction stage and producing ethanol and distillers grains, we become part of the ethanol producer community.  Our intention is to be an active, contributing member of that community.”

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 29 ethanol refineries with the capacity to produce nearly 2 billion gallons annually.  There are 18 ethanol refineries under construction or expansion that will add nearly 1.4 billion gallons of annual capacity.  In addition, Iowa has 13 biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of nearly 260 million gallons in operation.  Three biodiesel refineries under construction will add 95 million gallons of capacity.  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.

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