As biodiesel production continues to build momentum, the industry’s trade association has set a new 10-year vision to help achieve continued growth. The National Biodiesel Board’s new vision is for biodiesel production to equal 10 percent of the on-road diesel market by 2022.

Eight years ago NBB set a goal to be 5 percent of the diesel fuel supply by 2015, a goal then viewed as aggressive. With a billion gallons produced in 2011 and 2012, the biodiesel industry is well on its way to achieving that goal and possibly hit it earlier than expected.

“No one could have predicted the changes and challenges of this industry, but we have been deliberate and intentional as we map our potential,” said NBB CEO Joe Jobe. “This year, biodiesel marks 20 years for the trade association, 10 years for the conference and lays out the vision for the next 10 years to come.”

Announced recently at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, the 10x22 goal envisions a more diversified future energy portfolio that would include biodiesel making up 10 percent of the diesel fuel supply. This goal is benchmarked to the on-road volumes but expected to be used in various blend levels in various applications. The goal is intended to be a stretch but yet attainable.

“It is not about replacing every drop of petroleum—it is about continuing to diversify transportation energy so we can meet our needs affordably and sustainably,” Jobe said. “As the industry’s trade association, it is our duty to help maintain responsible industry growth, and setting long-term goals are an important part of that.”

The new vision was presented to NBB members last fall along with revisions to the NBB’s strategic plan, both of which were finalized by members and announced in February.