Recent Developments in the Biofuels Industry and Policy Adjustments
Growth Energy has proposed revisions to trade rules impacting biofuels on March 24, 2025. The U.S. Grains Council hosted a clean cooking symposium in Kenya to discuss biofuels. February saw a decline in RINs under the RFS, with new SRE petitions filed. Brazil explores an E30 fuel blend, and the SAF Conference & Expo is scheduled for September 2025.
On March 24, 2025, Growth Energy submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative, advocating for the revision or elimination of recently proposed rules intended to counter China’s increasing control over global shipping. The comments suggest a need for a policy reevaluation that may impact trade dynamics significantly.
In another notable event, the U.S. Grains Council convened a clean cooking symposium in Nairobi, Kenya, on March 21, 2025. This gathering aimed to forge connections with local industry leaders and policymakers, emphasizing the environmental and health advantages of utilizing biofuels for cooking.
Recent data from the U.S. EPA shows a decrease in Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In February 2025, nearly 1.52 billion RINs were generated, marking a decline of over 25% compared to the 2.04 billion RINs from February 2024. Additionally, four new small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions have been filed in the last month, accumulating a total of 156 pending petitions.
On March 17, Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy disclosed that tests by the Mauá Institute of Technology indicate the technical feasibility of an E30 fuel blend. This proposed blend exceeds the currently utilized E27 blend, suggesting a potential shift in Brazil’s biofuel standards.
Scheduled for September 22-24, 2025, the North American Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Conference & Expo will take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Organized by SAF Magazine in collaboration with the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), this event aims to present innovative strategies for decarbonizing aviation fuel, addressing key challenges, and exploring new opportunities for stakeholders in the industry.
The recently amended policies and developments in biofuels highlight significant shifts in the energy landscape, with Growth Energy advocating for trade policy adjustments. The reduced RINs generation under the RFS indicates industry challenges, while Brazil’s potential transition to an E30 fuel blend reflects advancements in biofuel technology. The upcoming SAF Conference & Expo promises to foster dialogue on sustainable aviation fuel solutions, vital for addressing decarbonization efforts.
Original Source: www.ethanolproducer.com
