January 3, 2025
BY Clean Fuels Alliance America
The U.S. is on pace to surpass 5 billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel consumption for the first time, capping a 2024 that saw increased efforts from states to drive adoption, updates to technical standards, growth in soybean crush capacity and growing public support for clean transportation fuel.
Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen said a strong 2024 has set the industry up well for further growth in aviation, marine, rail and heavy-duty transportation use.
“Consumers and corporations are demanding more clean fuel, and they are increasingly turning to biodiesel and renewable diesel to meet those demands,” Rehagen said. “Our industry has become a central force in the global effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions.”
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States implement clean fuel policy
State policy in 2024 helped grow clean fuel use.
Updated fuel specs create opportunities
Thanks to the work of the Clean Fuels technical team and other industry experts, 2024 brought new market opportunities with updated fuel specifications and growing compatibility with manufacturers.
Biodiesel, renewable diesel make farms stronger
Clean fuel production uses more than a billion pounds of soybean oil per month and increasing amounts of soybean meal for feed markets. This is driving a 30% increase in crush capacity across the United States.
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More than 20 new processing plants or expansions are underway that will add 650 million bushels of capacity, representing an investment in rural America of more than $6 billion. This also represents growth in feedstock diversity, as over 20% of the new U.S. crush capacity will process soft seeds like canola.
Looking ahead
2024 laid the groundwork for even more growth in the year ahead, Rehagen said.
“The rail and marine sectors are poised for growth, and airlines are ready to start using more sustainable aviation fuel,” he said. “We’ve only just begun to meet the growing needs for clean fuel in the U.S. and around the world.”
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.