A California-based pyrolysis company is getting millions in incentives from the state of West Virginia as part of plans to build a new facility in that state.
Clean Vision Corp. has signed a memorandum of understanding with West Virginia Department of Economic Development that will see the state provide more than $12 million in incentives for the project in Quincy. The project will cost at least $50 million and create at least 40 jobs, the state said.
The facility is expected to process 100 tons of plastics each day, starting next year, with plans to expand from there.
Clean Vision plans to open the facility through its Clean Seas West Virginia subsidiary.
The MOU calls for $1.75 million in forgivable loans along with tax and employment incentives, the state said.
"We will start with 100 tons per day of plastic feedstock. We expect to grow that to 500 or more over the couse of the next year or two or three. Whatever it takes," Clean Vision CEO Dan Bates said in a press briefing. "And in concert with that we are looking forward to helping the state develop its own robust recycling program so that we can not just take plastic and convert it, but we can help take the plastic resources that are available within the boarders of West Virginia and really make a difference in your state."
Bates also expanded on the project in a statement announcing the project: "The funding provision will allow us to leverage our own investments for a substantial jump in ROI (return on investment) on this facility. It's a tremendous opportunity for Clean Vision and all our stakeholders as well as a wise investment for the residents of West Virginia. This project will bring jobs, investment, industry and a new source of next-generation sustainable clean energy while removing harmful plastic from the environment."
Mitch Carmichael is secretary of the state economic development department.
"This company will help alleviate the plastic recycling stream and take that plastic recycling stream and turn it into great products," he said in the press briefing.
"At the end of the day, a job is more than a paycheck, and you know that. It provides family security, opportunities for the future, a structure for our society and just hope for the future," Carmichael said.
"This project is capable of bringing long-term, good-paying jobs to West Virginia in a strong 21st century industry," he added in a statement.
Clean Vision said the company wants to build a network of pyrolysis units. Pyrolysis uses heat and pressure in the absence of oxygen to break down plastics into their constituent parts. These monomers can then be used to again to produce both fuels or new virgin like plastics.