Recent Developments in Biofuel Policies and Innovations
Recent developments in global biofuel policies include Growth Energy’s comments on U.S. shipping regulations, the U.S. Grains Council’s biofuels symposium in Kenya, a notable decline in RIN generation, new SRE filings by the EPA, Brazil’s consideration of an E30 blend, and the upcoming North American SAF Conference.
On March 24, 2025, Growth Energy submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative, advocating for revisions or a removal of recent proposed regulations aimed at addressing China’s shipping dominance.
In Nairobi, Kenya, a clean cooking symposium was organized by the U.S. Grains Council on March 21, 2025. The event aimed to engage local leaders and policymakers regarding the environmental and health advantages of utilizing biofuels for cooking.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported on March 20, 2025, that 1.52 billion Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) were produced under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in February, marking a 25% decline compared to 2.04 billion RINs generated in February of the prior year.
Also on March 20, the EPA updated its Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) data. Four new SRE petitions were filed in the past month, bringing the total pending petitions to 156.
On March 17, Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy announced successful tests by Mauá Institute of Technology demonstrating the feasibility of an E30 fuel blend. This represents an increase from the current E27 blend.
The North American SAF Conference & Expo is set to occur from September 22-24, 2025, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This event will focus on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), featuring strategies for decarbonization, industry challenges, and opportunities for airlines and fuel producers over these three days.
The amendments in various policies could significantly enhance the biofuel sector. The U.S. Trade Representative’s review of regulations might affect the industry’s global competitiveness, while the clean cooking initiatives in Kenya highlight the health benefits of biofuels. The fluctuations in RIN generation and increasing interest in E30 blends in Brazil point to evolving trends in renewable fuels. The upcoming SAF Conference will further address critical advancements in aviation fuel sustainability.
Original Source: www.ethanolproducer.com
