Iowa biodiesel production steady in 2023
February 6, 2024
BY Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
In 2023, Iowa biodiesel production kept steady at 350 million gallons, nearly the same as the 349 million gallons produced in 2022. Even in a changing biofuels space with increased soybean crush and renewable diesel production and talk of sustainable aviation fuel, Iowa biodiesel producers were able to maintain their production.
“During a time of great change, Iowa biodiesel producers were able to maintain their production and markets,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Looking forward, we see a wide range of markets that offer growth opportunities for biodiesel, including home-heating oil, rail, and marine. IRFA will continue to focus on equity in biofuels policy that account for the role that biodiesel can and should play going forward.”
Reflecting the expansion of soybean crush capacity nationally and in Iowa, soybean oil increased to 77 percent of the feedstock for Iowa biodiesel production. Animal fats followed at just over 7 percent. Corn oil just barely exceeded canola oil with both near 6 percent. Used cooking oil provided 3 percent of the feedstock.
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Iowa plants have the capacity to produce 400 million gallons of biodiesel annually. The IRFA compiled production information from an industry survey.
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