June 16, 2021
BY Erin Voegele
The U.S. consumed a record 12 percent of renewable energy in 2020, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration on June 16. Biofuels announced for approximately 17 percent of renewables.
According to the EIA, consumption of renewable energy in the U.S. grew for the fifth consecutive year in 2020, reaching a record high of 11.6 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu), or 12 percent of total U.S. energy consumption. Renewable energy was the only source of U.S. energy consumption that increased in 2020 from 2019; fossil fuel and nuclear consumption declined.
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EIA data shows that biofuels, including fuel ethanol, biodiesel and other renewable fuels, accounted for approximately 17 percent of U.S. renewable energy consumption last year despite an 11 percent drop in biofuel consumption caused by market factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wood and waste energy, including wood, wood pellets, and biomass waste from landfills, accounted for about 22 percent of U.S. renewable energy consumption last year. The EIA noted that industrial, commercial and electric power facilities use wood and waste as a fuel to generate electricity, produce heat and manufacture goods.
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BWC Terminals on April 22 celebrated the official completion of its expanded renewable fuels terminal at the Port of Stockton. The facility is designed to safely and efficiently transfer renewable diesel and biodiesel from marine vessels.
Repsol and Bunge on April 25 announced plans to incorporate the use of camelina and safflower feedstocks in the production of renewable fuels, including renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Renewable Fuels Month highlights the importance of renewable biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. The month of May marks the beginning of the summer driving season, making it an ideal time to fuel up on clean and cost-saving biofuels.
PBF Energy on May 1 announced that its St. Bernard Renewables facility produced approximately 10,000 barrels per day of renewable diesel during Q1, down from 17,000 barrels per day during the Q4 2024.
Germany-based Mabanaft on April 17 announced it started to supply SAF to airlines at Frankfurt Airport in January. The company said it will deliver more than 1,000 metric tons of SAF to the airport this year under the European SAF mandate.