Superior Refinery update, nearly six years after the fire that closed them down

An update about the Superior Refinery, nearly six years after the fire that closed it down

An update about the progress at the Superior Refinery, nearly six years after the fire that closed it down.

Investor Day for Cenovus Energy meant a webcast that included the mention of the Superior Refinery.

About 350 people clock into work there, to make a living.

It’s one of the largest employers in Douglas County, according to chamber leaders.

It was even more crowded when the rebuild was going on.

Taylor Pedersen, the President of the Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber, said, “Over $1 billion was spent in the rebuild. At its peak, there were more than 1000 contractors on site. That was really big deal for our regional economy.”

Cenovus leadership said the restart started in the first half of of 2023, with enhanced safety measures, new power feed center and new training materials.

They are still not running at 100%, according to stakeholders. But folks are looking forward to it.

Pedersen added that the company continues to donate time and money to different groups across the region.

You may remember last spring there were some shortages of gasoline in the region. But now that refinery is running again, the supply has been better, according to industry leaders.

It’s been nearly 6 years since the fire and explosions rocked the facility, putting it out of commission and causing evacuations, plus injuring people on site.