Valero Benicia Refinery
Large load · 3400 E SECOND ST, Benicia, CA
The Benicia Refinery in Solano County, California, had 170,000 barrels per day of throughput capacity and was fully idled by Valero in April 2026. Its 50 MW cogeneration system supplied refinery power and is interconnected with PG&E's Bahia Substation.
Overview
Valero Benicia Refinery has 170,000 barrels per day of throughput capacity and produces CARBOB gasoline, diesel, CARB diesel, jet fuel and asphalt. During the first quarter of 2026 Valero began idling the processing units through a phased approach and ceased operation of the fuel production units. Full idling of all processing units was completed in April 2026. Valero is evaluating redevelopment options and plans to maintain all required operating permits and keep the facilities in a safe, clean and idled condition.
Profile
- Electricity and grid
- The refinery's cogeneration system can generate 50 megawatts of power and produces both electricity and steam recycled into refining. The California Energy Commission describes the Valero Cogeneration Project as a nominal 51-megawatt facility that began commercial operation on October 18, 2002. Valero interconnected its cogeneration unit with PG&E's 230kV/12kV transformer at the Bahia Substation under an agreement executed April 18, 2002. The Valero Improvement Project draft EIR projected the refinery would require approximately 80 MW when the cogeneration unit does not operate.
- Ownership and notice of idling
- Valero Refining Company-California owns and operates the Benicia refinery. In April 2025 Valero Energy Corporation announced that its subsidiary had notified the California Energy Commission of its intent to idle, restructure, or cease refining operations at Benicia by the end of April 2026.
Facility
- Activity
- Petroleum products: CARBOB gasoline, diesel, CARB diesel, jet fuel and asphalt
- Industry
- Industrial
- Site type
- Facility
- Operating status
- Idled
Related records
Timeline
- Apr 16, 2025
- Valero notified the California Energy Commission of its intent to idle, restructure or cease refining at Benicia by end of April 2026.
Valero Energy Corp. - Valero Announces Notice to the California Energy Commission Regarding its Benicia, California, Refinery