by Jeff Nalley (Agri-Pulse) This week’s Open Mic guest is Michael McAdams, President of the Advanced Biofuels Association. After an extensive career serving on Capitol Hill, McAdams founded the ABFA in 2006. The group represents all aspects of the advanced biofuels
D-4 (bio-based diesel) RINs
Back TO HOMEUS Renewable Fuel Credits Rally to Multi-Month Highs Despite Trump Reelection
by Shariq Khan (Reuters) U.S. renewable fuel credits rose to multi-month highs on Friday on increased demand from refiners trying to comply with mandates and higher prices for soyoil, surprising traders who expected Donald Trump's reelection as U.S. president to weigh on the
November 12, 2024 Read Full Article
SAF Production Set to Grow Amid Renewable Diesel Switching
by Jordan Godwin (OPIS/SAF Magazine) ... As renewable diesel producers in a suddenly crowded space trudge through lackluster margin conditions in 2024, they’re increasingly eyeing the possibility of switching to SAF. Considering the current size of the SAF market, taking on
August 28, 2024 Read Full Article
Lupton Petroleum, Brad Hall Associates Retire 273,519 RINs as Part of EPA Settlement Agreement
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on July 18 announced it has reached a settlement with Lupton Petroleum Products Inc., and its affiliate Brad Hall Associates Inc., for violations of the Clean Air Act’s conventional and renewable fuel
July 23, 2024 Read Full Article
Clean Fuels Petitions EPA to Reconsider 2024 and 2025 RFS Volumes
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Today, Clean Fuels filed a formal petition asking the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider Renewable Fuel Standard volumes for 2024 and 2025. The agency set biomass-based diesel and overall advanced volumes significantly below actual production of the
June 25, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to SAF, the ICF Perspective
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Mike McCurdy, Managing Director of Fuels & Power at ICF presented these slides at ABLC Next on how sustainable aviation fuels are taking off in the near term with the latest projected figures for the 2020s,
June 13, 2024 Read Full Article
New Markets Provide Sunnier Outlook For Clean Fuels
by Jonathan Martin (Clean Fuels Alliance America) Tremendous growth in the biomass-based diesel industry should be celebrated by producers and farmers, as well as those who enjoy breathing cleaner air and lower greenhouse gas emissions. However, that growth coupled with disappointing Renewable Fuel Standard volumes
June 12, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2024 Multi-Slide Guide to Bioeconomy Policy, the ABFA Perspective
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this presentation by Advanced Biofuels Association president Mike McAdams, we learn about matching policy with real-world reality using the basic tool box of tax credits, grants, loans, mandates and the RFS. We see policy issues
June 10, 2024 Read Full Article
Grassley to EPA: Increase RVO Levels
by Brent Barnett (Brownfield Ag News) U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley has asked the U.S. EPA to increase renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels. “Higher RVO levels allow the biofuel industry to meet the really fast growing demand for homegrown
June 06, 2024 Read Full Article
Renewable Diesel Production Surpasses Biodiesel
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard, a program that originated in the mid-2000s, mandates that a specific volume of certain biofuels be used each year in transportation fuel. One category of biofuels included in this mandate is biomass-based
May 30, 2024 Read Full Article
Low US Distillate Consumption Reflects Slow Economic Activity, Biofuel Substitution
(U.S. Energy Information Administration/Biobased Diesel Daily) U.S. distillate consumption so far this year is lower than usual because of warm winter weather, reduced manufacturing activity, and continued substitution of biofuels in place of petroleum distillate on the U.S. West Coast (PADD 5). As reported
April 30, 2024 Read Full Article
Colonial Oil Industries to Purchase and Retire 9 Million RINs Due to RFS Violations
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Colonial Oil Industries Inc. must pay a $2.8 million civil penalty and purchase and retire more than 9 million renewable identification numbers (RINs) at an estimated price of $12.2 million under a settlement agreement reached
April 11, 2024 Read Full Article
Fueling the Future: Biofuels Driving Progress on Net Zero
(S&P Global) The role of biofuels in energy transition is growing, as they can help decarbonize hard-to-abate transport sectors, but more supply is needed to keep the world on track with net-zero goals. S&P Global Commodity Insights explores how regional policies
March 07, 2024 Read Full Article
Chevron Closes Western Iowa, Wisconsin Biodiesel Plants Amid Harsh Market, Blames Biden EPA
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) ... Critics last year said the EPA set the 2023 to 2025 blending requirements for biodiesel and other biomass-based fuel too low, failing to capitalize on renewable fuels’ ability to cut emissions that contribute to climate change. For
March 01, 2024 Read Full Article
Brown, Ricketts Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Use of Biofuels
(Office of Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)) Legislation Would Open New Markets for Ohio Farmers, Producers -- U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the bipartisan Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act to open new markets for farmers in Ohio and across the
February 28, 2024 Read Full Article
US RINs Complex Collapses in 2023, Driven by Oversupplied Biomass-Based Diesel Market
by Phillip Herring, Melvin Lee, Sofia Cabrera, Guadalupe Nunez (S&P Global) D4 RINs drop 68.4% since Jan 2023, suppressing D6 RINs; 2.16 billion gallons above the 2023 D4 RVO mandate; Strong incentives to produce/import biomass-based diesel; BO-HO continues to fall US D4 Renewable Identification Numbers
February 02, 2024 Read Full Article
A Tale of Two RINs – Digging Deeper
by Adam Shubert (Stillwater Associates) In our recent article, “A Tale of Two RINs,” we reviewed current conditions driving the price of D3 renewable identification numbers (RINs) upwards while the price of D4 RINs is falling. This article drew considerable interest. With respect
January 19, 2024 Read Full Article
As 40B GREET Deadline Looms, RFA Offers Recommendations for SAF Emissions Modeling
(Renewable Fuels Association) In a letter submitted to the Biden administration today, the Renewable Fuels Association laid out recommendations for ensuring that the best available science and data are used in determining eligibility for the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit established in
January 16, 2024 Read Full Article
Viewpoint: SAF, E15 May Lift US Ethanol Demand in 2024
by Matthew Cope and Payne Williams (Argus Media) Ethanol demand may get a boost next year as the US paves a path for ethanol-derived sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and the potential for permanent year-round sales of 15pc ethanol gasoline (E15) in
December 29, 2023 Read Full Article
You Can’t Put a RIN in Your Gas Tank
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) ... When an obligated party such as a refiner turns in their report card to EPA to show they met the requirements of the RFS, the “currency of compliance” is a RIN. Every
November 27, 2023 Read Full Article
Feature: US RINs Complex under Pressure while Renewable Diesel Helps RVO Mandates
by Phillip Herring and Melvin Lee (S&P Global) D4 RINs drop 53.4% in 2023; D4 biomass-based biodiesel production surpasses RVO mandate; BOHO near 2023 lows -- US D4 Renewable Identification Numbers have plummeted 53.4% in 2023 while helping to meet the renewable volume obligation
November 21, 2023 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Production Robust Despite Challenge
(AgWeb/Pro Farmer) The boom in renewable diesel was expected to wipe out biodiesel producers, but they were more profitable than thought and biodiesel production has remained robust. A FarmDoc by University of Illinois Ag Economist Scott Irwin says, “The renewable diesel boom in
November 17, 2023 Read Full Article
Market Prices for Renewable Fuel Standard Credits Are Falling
by Jimmy Troderman (U.S. Energy Information Administration) The prices of ethanol (D6) and biomass-based diesel (D4) renewable identification number (RIN) credits—the compliance mechanism used for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—each fell by more than one third
October 24, 2023 Read Full Article
D4 RINs Collapse in 2023, Driving own prices in entire RINs complex
by Phillip Herring and Melvin Lee (S&P Global) D4 RINs drop 44.5% in 2023; Renewable biodiesel production ramps up; BOHO nearing 2023 lows -- D4 Renewable Identification Numbers have plummeted 44.5% so far in 2023 due to an uptick in renewable diesel production
September 29, 2023 Read Full Article
On Top of SAF: ... Topsoe Believes All Possible Pathways Are Needed—but for Most, Investment Costs Remain High.
by Susanne Retka Schill (SAF Magazine) U.S. SAF goals are lofty. New tax credits provide real incentives. Multiple technologies are ready to roll. Opportunities lie ahead. But the challenges are complex, Henrik Rasmussen, Topsoe’s managing director for the Americas, tells SAF Magazine.
August 25, 2023 Read Full Article
RFA: Final RVO Rule Fails to Deliver on Promise of Original Proposal Public Comment DEADLINE July 5, 2023
(Renewable Fuels Association) The 2023-2025 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes finalized today by the Environmental Protection Agency mark an unfortunate step backward from the volumes that were originally proposed, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. EPA’s final rule includes conventional renewable fuel requirements of 15
July 11, 2023 Read Full Article
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Future Foggy: Airline Official Tells Ethanol Industry Future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Uncertain
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) ... Steve Csonka, executive director of the initiative ( Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative), said during a recent panel discussion at the Fuel Ethanol Workshop in Omaha that it is unclear how or if SAF
June 23, 2023 Read Full Article
Vertex Energy Announces EPA Approval for Generation of D4 RINs
(Vertex Energy/Business Wire) Vertex Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTNR) ("Vertex" or “the Company"), a leading specialty refiner and marketer of high-quality refined products, today announced that it has received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") for the generation of D4 Renewable
June 16, 2023 Read Full Article
Is the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard in Danger of Going Over a RIN Cliff?
by Maria Gerveni and Scott Irwin (University of Illinois) and Todd Hubbs (U.S. Department of Agriculture) (farmdocdaily) ... What has received far less attention is what happens when the supply of biofuel exceeds the mandate. Given the scale of the renewable diesel
June 01, 2023 Read Full Article
Clean Fuels Applauds Governors’ Letter on RFS BBD Volumes
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Letter calls proposed RVOs “exactly the wrong signal to send right now” -- Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America welcomed a letter sent by Govs. Kim Reynolds (R-IA), Mike Parson (R-MO), and Jim Pillen (R-NE) to EPA Administrator
May 25, 2023 Read Full Article
Overview of the RIN Compliance System and Pricing of RINs for the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard
Maria Gerveni and Scott Irwin (University of Illinois) and Todd Hubbs (U.S. Department of Agriculture) ... A RIN represents biofuel that has been produced and blended into transportation fuel. RINs are tradeable, and the market price of RINs plays
May 25, 2023 Read Full Article
Off the Ground
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Several alcohol-to-jet projects, partnerships and technologies have been announced in the past 18 months. Ethanol Producer Magazine checks in on each, looking at where they stand and what they might ultimately achieve. ... Multiple airlines forged
March 10, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA Approves RFS Fuel Pathway for LanzaJet’s Georgia Facility
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Jan. 12 approved a fuel pathway filed by LanzaJet Inc. under the Renewable Fuel Standard that will allow the company’s biorefinery near Soperton, Georgia, to generate D4 biomass-based diesel renewable identification
January 17, 2023 Read Full Article
Clean Fuels Expresses Frustration with EPA’s RFS Proposal for 2023 - 2025
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Eighteen Clean Fuels speakers testify at public hearing on the proposed RFS volume -- Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America and its members testified at the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Public Hearing for RFS Standards for 2023–2025 and
January 10, 2023 Read Full Article
A New EPA Proposal Is Reigniting a Debate about What Counts as ‘Renewable’
by John McCracken (Grist) The agency wants more ethanol, biogas, and wood pellet power in the nation's fuel mix. But is that actually a good thing? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new standards for how much of the nation’s fuel supply
January 05, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA Takes Next Steps in Renewable Fuel Standard Program for 2023-25 -- Proposal Seeks Public Input on Program’s Role in U.S. Energy Security, Economy and Environment DEADLINE February 10, 2023
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Today, EPA issued a multi-part proposal that will build on the strong foundation for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program started in the Biden-Harris Administration and seeks to advance the priorities of energy security, less pollution, and
December 01, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Delivers Final Rule on Canola Oil RFS Fuel Pathways to OMB
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Sept. 19 delivered a final rule to create canola oil fuel pathways under the Renewable Fuel Standard for renewable diesel, jet fuel naphtha, liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and heating oil to
September 29, 2022 Read Full Article
Biointermediates: Production Opportunities and Regulatory Challenges
by Sara M. Herman (Biodiesel Magazine/Christianson) While biointermediates present opportunities for biofuel producers, close attention should be paid to regulatory requirements. -- ... Within the proposed rules, EPA included a section on biointermediates—feedstocks that are partially processed at one location
July 27, 2022 Read Full Article
Exploding Acreage
by Susanne Retka Schill (Biodiesel Magazine) Three developers take different approaches to filling the expected surge for demand in oilseeds with crops that promise low GHG scores. -- Remember the parable of the mustard seed? Developers of three oilseed crops—relatives
July 22, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Approves Carinata Fuel Pathway for REG’s Geismar Facility
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA on June 30 approved a Renewable Fuel Standard fuel pathway filed by Renewable Energy Group Inc. that will allow the company’s biorefinery in Geismar, Louisiana, to generate D4 biomass-based diesel renewable identification numbers
July 20, 2022 Read Full Article
Canola Oil Pathways Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Public Comment DEADLINE: May 18, 2022
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) pathways for certain biofuels that are produced from canola/rapeseed oil and is providing an opportunity for comment on the Agency’s lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG)
April 21, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Proposes to Approve Canola Oil Fuel Pathways under RFS
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA on April 12 published a proposed rule approve Renewable Fuel Standard pathways for renewable diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, naphtha, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) produced from canola/rapeseed oil via a hydrotreating process. EPA’s
April 14, 2022 Read Full Article
ICE Expands its U.S. Renewable Fuels Markets With the Launch of Renewable Volume Obligation Futures
(Intercontinental Exchange/Business Wire) Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology, and market infrastructure, today announced the launch of two Renewable Volume Obligation futures contracts, expanding ICE’s U.S. renewable fuels futures markets. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Renewable
March 29, 2022 Read Full Article
RNG, Renewable Fuels from Solar, Waste Wood & Carbon: The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide Guide to Aemetis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Third generation tech is what Aemetis calls it – using renewable fuels for carbon capture & sequestration siphons carbon from the atmosphere into crops which are converted into renewable fuels, then the solar energy is
March 28, 2022 Read Full Article
Regulatory and Policy Analysis of Production, Development and Use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels in the United States
Ekrem Korkut and Lara B. Fowler (Frontiers in Energy Research) The United States, spurred in part by international developments, is expanding its law and policy to incentivize the use of sustainable aviation fuels. While the U.S. has agreed to participate
January 03, 2022 Read Full Article
SAF Taking Off in 2022: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to ICF’s SAF
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As you wait for the clock countdown to 2022 today, check out this slide guide from Mike McCurdy, Managing Director of Fuels & Power at ICF on how sustainable aviation fuels are taking off in
December 31, 2021 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuel Feedstocks Can Pace Biofuel Demand through 2030
(Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) Growing demand for biomass-based diesel advanced biofuels can be met with projected supply of lipid feedstocks through 2030 without encroaching on food resources, finds a new study from LMC International, commissioned by the Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA). The
December 08, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA Approves “Koole-Neste Pathway” for D4 RIN Production from SAF
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, Koole Tankstorage Botlek B.V. (Koole) and Neste Oyj (Neste) asked the Envrionmental Protection Agency to approve a pathway for the generation of biomass-based diesel (D-code 4) renewable identification numbers (RINs) for renewable jet fuel and
August 19, 2021 Read Full Article
Agricultural Feedstock Costs Drive RIN Prices to All-Time Highs
by Sean Hill and Matthew French (U.S. Department of Energy Energy Information Administration) The prices of renewable identification number (RIN) credits—the compliance mechanism used for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—sharply increased through April of
June 02, 2021 Read Full Article
Renewable Diesel Growth Provides Signal Upstream to Expand Crush Capacity
by Ron Kotrba (Bio-Based Diesel Daily) Canada’s largest agribusiness, Richardson International Ltd., is doubling canola crush capacity at its processing facility in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. In addition to doubling capacity to 2.2 million metric tons, the company said it will optimize operational
April 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Renewable Diesel: Where’s The Value?
by Steve Roberts and Michael Reecher (Opportune/Biofuels Digest) If companies want to capture value and ultimately profit from the projected growth in renewable diesel, they must understand their netback. The demand and price for renewable diesel is on the rise and bringing
April 01, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Urges EPA to Stay the Course on Renewable Fuel Standard
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association on Wednesday asked newly confirmed EPA Administrator Michael Regan to “stay the course” on the Renewable Fuel Standard, as the important policy faces renewed attacks from oil refiners. In a letter to Regan, RFA responds
March 18, 2021 Read Full Article
Ethanol and Biomass-Based Diesel RIN Prices Approaching All-Time Highs
by Sean Hill (U.S. Energy Information Administration) The prices of renewable identification number (RIN) credits—the compliance mechanisms used for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—have been steadily rising in recent months and
February 24, 2021 Read Full Article
Exclusive: Trump Administration Expected to Grant Biofuel Waivers for Some Oil Refiners - Sources
by Stephanie Kelly, Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Trump administration is expected to grant waivers to some oil refiners that would exempt them from requirements to blend biofuels into their fuel mix for the 2019 compliance year, according to two sources
January 12, 2021 Read Full Article
An Open Letter to the Ethanol Community from Ethanol Producers
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... (T)he overriding objective should be to increase demand, which increases ethanol volume and corn grind. With that in mind, do we continue to fight for what is almost certain to be a reduced
November 30, 2020 Read Full Article
New RIN Futures Launch Nodal, IncubEx to Launch 8 New Physically Delivered RIN Futures
(DTN Progressive Farmer) Nodal Exchange, a derivatives exchange, and IncubEx on Friday, Oct. 9, announced the upcoming launch of eight new Renewable Identification Number futures and options contracts. Pending regulatory review, Nodal will launch the first-ever physically delivered futures contracts on
October 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel’s Resiliency Even in Crisis: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to REG’s Response to COVID-19
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From planning, people and performance, Renewable Energy Group is on top of things with the coronavirus. Since biodiesel and renewable diesel production has been considered essential business, REG was still working, maintaining full operations of all
June 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Post-Coronavirus: What’s Next in the Environmental Commodity Markets – 23 Key Takeaways
by Mike Newman (Parhelion Underwriting Inc./Biofuels Digest) ... The focus was on renewable fuels in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RINs) and California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS credits). Stakeholders came from all corners of the market, from the refining industry,
June 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Renewable Diesel Expanding with Petroleum-to-Renewable Refinery Conversions
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) But there is a huge transformation happening with growth in the conversion of petroleum refineries to renewable diesel. Just look at how renewable diesel went from 78MMGY in 2010 to 397MMGY in 2018 and Fuels
June 15, 2020 Read Full Article
Renewable Diesel Drives Growth in Biomass-Based Diesel Imports
(U.S. Energy Information Administration/Biodiesel Magazine) U.S. imports of biomass-based diesel, which include biodiesel and renewable diesel, grew 26 percent in 2019 to more than 27,000 barrels per day (more than 413.9 MMgy), ending two years in a row of decline.
June 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Neste Reports Record Renewable Diesel Production in Q1
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) Neste Corp. released first quarter financial results on April 24. The company reported a solid start to the year considering the negative impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and said renewable diesel production was at a
April 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Hero BX Eyes Expanding Biodiesel Footprint When Pandemic Subsides
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ... “We are surviving day by day,” Peterson (Chris Peterson, president of Hero BX) said. “All our people are still employed.” According to Peterson, Hero BX owner Pat Black strives to provide stability for his staff
April 15, 2020 Read Full Article
The Crisis Dashboard – Health, Economy, Climate, Energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Using the latest data available, The Digest published this “Crisis Dashboard” visual guide showing what’s going on with ethanol retail prices, liquid energy commodity prices, biodiesel operating margins, ethanol operating margins, retail fuel prices, RIN
April 01, 2020 Read Full Article
North American Outlook on Biofuels Challenges and Opportunities
by Steve Hartig (Biofuels Digest) The North American biofuels market can be split into three main segments all of which have major dynamics. What I would like to do is give a high-level overview of what I see as some of both
November 06, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Approves RFS Fuel Pathway Filed by Texmark, Neste
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA recently approved a Renewable Fuel Standard fuel pathway filed on behalf of Texmark Chemicals Inc. and Neste US Inc. that will allow renewable diesel produced at Neste’s biorefinery in Porvoo, Finland, to be
October 17, 2019 Read Full Article
President Trump Delivers on a Key Promise to American Farmers as EPA, USDA Announce Agreement on Promoting Biofuels
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue issued the following statements after President Donald J. Trump successfully negotiated an agreement on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): “President Trump’s leadership
October 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Market Outlook for Low Carbon Fuels
by Nora Goldstein (BioCycle Magazine) Overall, demand for RNG is strong in spite of an oversupply of D3 RINs in 2018. -- In 2018, cellulosic biofuel producers, including those making renewable natural gas (RNG), outperformed the annual Renewable Volume Obligation
September 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Circuit Court Rejects Challenges to EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standards
by Tim Ryan (Court House News) The D.C. Circuit on Friday upheld the Environmental Protection Agency’s renewable fuel standards in the face of challenges from energy companies, biofuel producers and industry groups. Under longstanding EPA policy, the burden of introducing more
September 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Fuel Forward: The Digest’s 2019 Enhanced Multi-Slide Guide to Renewable Energy Group
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Earlier this month, Renewable Energy Group released its 2019 Q1 earnings and held its quarterly earnings conference call with analysts and media. The complete webcast of the event is available at regi.com. Participating in the call for
May 30, 2019 Read Full Article
Biogas To RNG Projects: What, Why And How
by Brad Pleima (BioCycle Magazine/EcoEngineers) With prices for renewable electricity low in many states, biogas producers are turning to the renewable natural gas marketplace. This road map is a valuable navigation tool. -- There is a national trend to reposition biogas-producing assets
March 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Interview: RFA Hoping EPA Will Be More Restrained on SREs
by Jeff Barber (Opis Biofuels News) The U.S. ethanol industry, which spent most of 2018 dealing with the fallout from EPA's decision to allow a record number of small refineries to escape their Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance obligations, believes the
January 29, 2019 Read Full Article
A Rightful Role in the RFS: The Electric Vehicle Market Is Predicted to Soar, and, Pending Overdue Action by the U.S. EPA, Biomass Power Producers Are Positioned to Help Meet Goals Set Forth in the Renewable Fuel Standard.
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) ... The vast complexities of the RFS extend far beyond these components, but a much lesser-known provision is beginning to attract attention—the role of renewable electricity in the program, and it’s abilities to fuel electric
January 08, 2019 Read Full Article
Outlook 2019: RINs Market Looks toward Washington in 2019
by Wesley Swift (S&P Global Platts) The market for Renewable Identification Numbers looked for relief in 2019 after a tumultuous 2018. Uncertainty over the nation's renewable fuel policy created a volatile market for RINs, the credits used by refiners and fossil
January 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Another Year of Uncertainty for Biofuels
by Michael McAdams (Biomass Magazine/Advanced Biofuels Association) As we approach the end of 2018, we reflect on a year that was full of surprises for the biofuels industry. What stands out the most was former U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s application of
November 06, 2018 Read Full Article
The Complex Dynamics of Coprocessing
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) While oil refiners adding a small percentage of renewable feedstock to their operations sounds simple, the political, economic, technical, societal and market consequences are anything but. In 2007, at the height of the biodiesel boom, ConocoPhillips and
November 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Strategic Intent: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Renewable Energy Group
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: REGI) is a leading provider of cleaner, lower carbon intensity products and services. The company is a major international producer of biomass-based diesel, a developer of renewable chemicals and North America’s
August 10, 2018 Read Full Article
US EPA Climate Changing on RFS?
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) At ABFA, we’ve been keeping our eyes on the U.S. EPA during the first quarter of 2018. The EPA’s actions over the next several months will have ripple effects through the industry, in the
May 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Analysis: Cap on Conventional Ethanol RINs Will Reduce Biodiesel Market By 100-300 Million Gallons Per Year
(National Biodiesel Board) A new analysis by the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and the World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services (WAEES) found that capping the price of conventional biofuels’ Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) will significantly harm the production of biodiesel and
March 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Diesel with 89% Lower GHGs: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Synpet Technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Synpet was founded in 2014 as a developer of a synthetic petroleum (SYNPET) business using its Thermal Conversion Process. TCP breaks down organic waste materials by using heat, pressure and water to produce oil and other co-products. SYNPET uses
March 08, 2018 Read Full Article
RFS Lawsuit Advances -- Refiners: EPA Required to Review Point of Obligation Annually
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The biofuel and petroleum industries are back in court as both sides argue the Environmental Protection Agency should have implemented the Renewable Fuel Standard differently in 2017. Attorneys for biofuels and petroleum interests filed court
January 25, 2018 Read Full Article
U.S. Renewable Fuel Credits Pressured by Biodiesel Tax Credit Optimism
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) U.S. renewable fuel credits remained under pressure on Thursday as expectations mounted that lawmakers may soon renew a $1-per-gallon rebate for biodiesel blenders that could curb worries over tight supplies in the thinly-traded market. Prices of the biomass-based diesel
December 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Grain Sorghum Oil Pathways
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking provides notice and an opportunity to comment on the lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with biofuels that are produced from grain sorghum oil extracted at dry mill ethanol plants. EPA's
December 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Standards for 2018 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2019; Availability of Supplemental Information and Request for Further Comment (Deadline October 19, 2017)
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) This document provides additional data and an opportunity to comment on that data and potential options for reductions in the 2018 biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel volumes, and/or the 2019 biomass-based diesel volume
October 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Argentine Biodiesel Industry Says U.S. Duties Will Halt Exports
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) Argentine biodiesel exports will be priced out of the U.S. market, its leading industry body said, after Washington decided on Tuesday to impose steep duties on imports that it said were unfairly subsidized. The countervailing duties on
August 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol and Biodiesel: Dropping Below the Production Cost of Fossil Fuels?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... As you can see from the hard data, the production cost for ethanol today is $1.22 per gallon, which translates to $51.24 per barrel. Now, on an energy basis — given that ethanol has 67%
May 19, 2017 Read Full Article
The Imports Cometh
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) U.S. imports of biomass-based diesel hit extreme heights in 2016, fulfilling a third of the consumption market, driving the domestic biodiesel industry to more actively seek counteracting measures to protect its own investments. --
April 05, 2017 Read Full Article
As OPEC Falls, What Is the Liberated Market Signaling to Producers?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... There’s a theory going around that biofuels are “government fuels” — and prices are set around a table in Washington, DC. But if you visit the big biodiesel and ethanol firms, you’ll see right
March 22, 2017 Read Full Article
The RFS and Domestic Consumption of Conventional Ethanol and Biomass-Based Diesel to 2022
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDoc Daily/University of Illinois) In the farmdoc daily article of November 30, 2016, we examined the magnitude of the "push" in production and consumption of biofuels implied by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
December 14, 2016 Read Full Article
Back on Track: EPA Issues On-Time, Robust Renewable Fuel Standard Volumes for 2017-18
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Environmental Protection Agency released the 2017 renewable fuel volume obligations (and the 2018 volume obligations for biomass-based diesel), with a strong push beyond what has been termed the “blend wall” and
November 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Biointermediates and U: A Potential Step Change in Advanced Biofuel Economics
by Antoine C. Schellinger (Biofuels Digest/ International Alliance Group) ... The EPA has performed lifecycle analysis on certain pathways and published them in the CFR as approved pathways. They are labeled with sequential alphabetical characters and currently range from A to
November 22, 2016 Read Full Article
What's Up with RINs Prices?
by Scott Irwin (Farm Doc Daily/University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) RINs prices have been making headlines in recent months, with prices at times crossing the psychologically important $1 per gallon mark. Echoing earlier complaints (farmdoc daily, July 19, 2013; December
October 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Gevo, Lufthansa Rock Markets with Renewable Jet Fuel Deal
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Colorado, Gevo has entered into a heads of agreement with Lufthansa to supply Gevo’s alcohol-to-jet fuel from its first commercial hydrocarbon facility, intended to be built in Luverne, MN. The terms of the agreement
September 09, 2016 Read Full Article
The RINferno, as It Burns up America’s Venture into Advanced Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... There’s a separate category of RINs for advanced biofuels. These are fuels that have at least a 50% reduction in fossil fuels compared to 2005 baseline gasoline. Overall, to qualify under the RFS, you need
August 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Viewpoint: Run on the RINs Bank This Year
(Argus Media) The bank of carryover RINs used to comply with US renewable fuel mandates faces a draw of nearly 500mn RINs this year to meet a stiff blend requirement of 10.1pc of the country's transportation fuel. An Argus analysis found
August 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Duel Fuel--Colocating Ethanol, Biodiesel
by Keith Loria (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Biodiesel tanks are popping up in the tank farms at some ethanol plants these days. -- During the past decade, there has been a great deal of innovation and thought put into the synergies between
April 15, 2016 Read Full Article
RINs Behavior after EPA Rule Shows Ethanol-Biodiesel Relationship
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The release of the U.S. EPA’s final rulemaking for the renewable fuel standard (RFS) was a shock to the RINs market—the renewable identification numbers used by obligated parties to demonstrate compliance. Biodiesel, D4
December 09, 2015 Read Full Article
RINs Gone Wild? (round 2)
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily) The EPA released the final rulemaking for 2014-2016 RFS standards on Monday, November 30. This release follows preliminary rulemaking released on May 29 of this year. Figures 1 and 2 are based on
December 07, 2015 Read Full Article
The 2016 US Outlook for Ethanol and Biodiesel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... “In the old days, ethanol was a political commodity,” Informa Economics Senior VP Scott Richman told the crowd assembled at the Canadian Bioeconomy Conference in Vancouver this week, organized by the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association. “Now, it’s
December 03, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA: Jatropha-Based Biofuels Could Qualify as Biomass-Based Diesel or Advanced Biodiesel under RFS
(Green Car Congress) Based on its analysis of the production and transport components of the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of biofuel made from jatropha oil, the US EPA anticipates that biofuels produced from jatropha oil could qualify as biomass-based diesel
October 21, 2015 Read Full Article
Irwin, Good Analyze Ethanol, Biodiesel RINs Relationships
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol D6 RIN prices have stayed relatively stable over the summer while D4 biodiesel RINs prices plummeted, Illinois economists Scott Irwin and Darrel Good point out in a recent FarmDocDaily post, “Why Isn’t the
September 28, 2015 Read Full Article
What’s U(o)P at UOP? The Renewables Story, Revealed.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... For a decade, it’s (UOP's) been an unquestioned leader in renewable fuels and chemicals development. Technologies like its HEFA jet fuel conversion (the first certified renewable jet fuel), its Ecofining technology that produces both jet
July 28, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA: 2014 Cellulosic RIN Generation Tops 33 Million
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has released renewable identification number (RIN) generation data for December, reporting that more than 8.53 million cellulosic RINs were generated during the month. EIA data currently shows more than 33.01 million
January 16, 2015 Read Full Article
RFA: Ethanol Producers Meet Statutory 2014 RFS without Final Rule
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Renewable identification number (RIN) generation data released by the U.S. EPA shows that the statutory 2014 renewable fuel standard (RFS) requirements established by Congress in 2007 could have easily been met, and that the RFS