Love’s becomes sole owner of Heartwell Renewables renewable diesel project in Hastings

HASTINGS, Neb. — One of the partners in the $600 million renewable diesel plant under construction in Hastings is now taking over full ownership of the project.

Heartwell Renewables announced Thursday that national travel stop company Love’s became the plant’s sole owner on July 31. The plant started as a joint venture between Love’s and Cargill, the global food company. According to a news release, Cargill will still provide feedstock in the form of tallow to the plant.

Love’s officials say the change doesn’t alter the vision, timeline or scope of the Heartwell Renewables project. Love’s plans to create nearly 70 full-time positions for plant operation and expects to produce 80 million gallons of renewable diesel annually.

“This reflects Love's commitment to new and innovative ways to better serve customers while investing in renewable fuel offerings to provide customers with access to sustainable fueling alternatives,” the company said in a statement.

Crews broke ground on the facility on the east edge of Hastings in Nov. 2022. Love’s expects it to be operational in the second half of 2026. At the time of the groundbreaking, the companies said the plant represented a $600 million investment.