Advanced BioFuels USA

(Sustainable, Secure Food Blog) … Biofuels are a low-carbon fuel option that we can use to make a difference right now. Many states are already using ethanol as part of their gasoline supply systems. In California, biodiesel and renewable diesel made up over 25% of the fuel used for diesel engines in 2020. Some crops are better suited than others to be processed into biofuels.

Soybean oil can be used to make a variety of industrial products, including biodiesel and renewable diesel. Due to the growing demand for protein from soybeans, we produce more vegetable oil than we can consume in the U.S. This extra oil has opened the door for the cost-effective production of biodiesel, and soon, sustainable aviation fuel from soy oil.

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Carbohydrate winners

Corn is used for biofuel generation because of its capacity to make a lot of carbohydrates from sunshine. It’s categorized as a “C4” plant, which means it is very efficient at taking sunlight and creating carbohydrates. Other C4 food plants include sorghum and sugar. Grasses, like miscanthus, are also grown as biofuel sources. When processed into biofuels, carbohydrates become ethanol.

While mainly carbohydrate, the processing of corn to ethanol still provides a significant amount of protein for animal feed and carbon dioxide for a variety of industrial applications.

Oily sources

Soybeans are one crop used to make biodiesel and renewable diesel, particularly from the oil generated by soybeans. Soybeans are also nitrogen fixers, which means they can be beneficial for the soil. In addition, soybeans contain proteins, which can be separated out in processing. Due to the growing demand for protein from soybeans, we produce more vegetable oil than we can consume in the U.S. This extra oil has opened the door for the cost-effective production of biodiesel, and soon, sustainable aviation fuel from soy oil. 

Soybeans have become very important in the production of renewable fuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel.

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In processing soybeans into biodiesel, glycerin becomes a valuable byproduct. This can be sold as part of animal feed. In addition, glycerin in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals are currently sourced from petroleum, and soy glycerin can be a replacement. 

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Because a different process is used for processing soy, different byproducts called renewable propane and renewable gasoline are made. These two products can reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum.

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At least one company is commercializing pennycress as a cover crop for farmers. This would help farmers grow a third “cash crop” during the winter, providing soil health benefits to the farm, as well as more meal and oil, all while using the same amount of land.

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We are often asked, “Why produce biofuels when we will just electrify everything?” There are two simple answers:

1. Biofuel production complements the protein supply chain. This helps reduce the cost of protein by creating valuable markets for excess fats and carbohydrates.
2. The rate of electrification across transportation is inconsistent. The rate of electrification in heavy duty trucks, rail, marine and aviation is not able to keep pace with passenger cars, for example.  READ MORE