Strengthening Prospects for Bio-Based Manufacturing Investment
LONDON, Ky. (March 25, 2025) — The London-Laurel County Economic Development Authority, in partnership with Ecostrat and the Biofuel Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone Initiative, has announced that Laurel County, Kentucky, has received a BDO Zone ‘A’ Rating for woody biomass resources. The designation recognizes the region’s strong potential to support new bio-based manufacturing operations, backed by abundant feedstock availability and established infrastructure.
The certified BDO Zone encompasses a 75-mile drive radius centered in London, Kentucky, with an estimated 342,000 bone dry tons per year of low-risk woody biomass. The rating process was supported by funding from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Office of Energy Policy through State Energy Program resources authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
An ‘A’ rating reflects high prospective viability for bio-industrial project development, with low risk associated with both feedstock supply and regional infrastructure. Market shifts in the forestry sector, including declining demand for pulpwood and certain sawmill residuals, have created new opportunities for manufacturers to utilize underused resources. With pulpwood prices at historically low levels and Kentucky’s professional logger certification program reinforcing supply chain reliability, Laurel County is positioned to attract investment in emerging bio-economy sectors.
The region also offers a nearby project development site located within six miles of downtown London. The site includes access to natural gas, three-phase power, high-speed internet connectivity and heavy industrial zoning — key assets for companies evaluating new bio-based production facilities.
“Our ‘A’ rating underscores the economic value of Laurel County’s woody biomass resources and our readiness to partner with innovative biobased manufacturers,” said Paula Thompson, Executive Director of the London-Laurel County Economic Development Authority. “By expanding our value chain and supporting new investment, we can create high-quality jobs while positioning our community as a leader in bio-based manufacturing.”
Kenya Stump, Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy, emphasized the broader strategic importance of the designation. “Fuel diversification is a core element of Kentucky’s energy strategy,” she said. “Laurel County’s strong feedstock base and infrastructure help advance rural economic development while strengthening the state’s role in the evolving bioeconomy.”
According to Jordan Solomon, Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative, the rating reflects a compelling foundation for growth. “Laurel County’s abundant biomass resources, reliable infrastructure and low-risk supply profile create favorable conditions for new biobased projects that can deliver long-term economic benefits for the region.”
The Biofuel Development Opportunity Zone Initiative provides internationally recognized, standards-based technical risk assessments that evaluate feedstock, supply chain and infrastructure readiness for biofuel and bioproduct manufacturing projects. Investment-grade BDO Zone ratings are designed to support site selection and accelerate capital investment in regions best positioned for project success.
Ecostrat, a North American leader in biomass due diligence and project development support, administers the BDO Zone Initiative to connect communities with global bio-industry investors and developers.
For more information on the Laurel County BDO Zone rating or to explore additional certified regions, visit bdozone.org.
