The explosion was said to have happened at around 8.30 am (CST) on September 19, at the firm’s plant in Geismar, Louisiana.
H2 View understands that two workers were left with serious injuries.
According to a Chevron statement, the fire was contained with the support of local responders.
H2 View has reached out to Chevron REG for further comment on the incident and to confirm it was a hydrogen gas explosion.
In May (2024), a hydrogen leak caught fire at BASF’s Ludwigshafen chemical complex in Germany before it was quickly extinguished by the company’s fire department.
Read more: BASF extinguishes hydrogen leak fire at Ludwigshafen chemical complex
Why is hydrogen used in renewable diesel production?
Hydrogen is used at renewable diesel plants for the hydrotreating process, which removes oxygen from biomass or fat feedstocks.
The hydrogen reacts with the oxygen in the feedstock, creating water as a byproduct and removing the oxygen content.
It also improves the chemical composition of the final product.