Renewable Fuels Association: urged to strengthen monitoring and verification of imported UCO feedstock

In response to a request for information from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is urging state agencies to do more to ensure the integrity of imported waste cooking oil (UCO) and tallow for the production of biomass-based diesel (BBD) in accordance with the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard.

RFA noted that according to CARB data on California’s fuel consumption, the use of biomass-based diesel (BBD) produced from UCO doubles from 2019 to 2023, while the use of BBD produced from tallow triples, and some in the marketplace believe the source and composition of these feedstocks may be in doubt.

The influx of large amounts of foreign feedstocks has dampened the demand and prices of domestic feedstocks, such as corn lees oil produced by the ethanol industry. In addition, the impacts extend beyond the scope of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) programme. Large quantities of imported waste-based BBDs, as well as BBDs produced domestically from imported UCO and tallow (and consumed in California), are also being used to meet traditional renewable fuel use obligations under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard, undercutting the demand for ethanol, especially its use in higher blends such as E15 and E85.

Richman said CARB should require BBD producers to chemically analyse imported batches of UCO and tallow and provide documentation to prove that the feedstocks are correctly characterised and that the BBD produced truly meets the carbon intensity score under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard.

Crude palm oil futures to show bullish trend this week

Palm oil futures on the Malaysian Derivatives Exchange are expected to trend higher this week, driven by potential bargain-hunting after recent sell-offs. According to palm oil trader David Ng, expectations of declining production could boost market sentiment, providing further support for prices.

Researchers create new electric biodiesel

Researchers in the labs of Joshua Yuan and Susie Dai at the University of Missouri’s McKelvey School of Engineering used carbon dioxide electrocatalysis to convert carbon dioxide into intermediates, which were then converted by microorganisms into lipids or fatty acids that ultimately became biodiesel feedstocks, according to a report from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

The researchers used CO2 electrocatalysis to create an electric biodiesel that is 45 times more productive and uses 45 times less land than biodiesel made from soybeans.

“This new idea can be applied to the circular economy to produce emission-negative fuels, chemicals, materials and food ingredients at much higher efficiencies than photosynthesis, and with fewer carbon emissions than petrochemicals,” said Yuan, who began the work with Day at Texas A&M. “We systematically addressed the challenges in electro-biofabrication by identifying the metabolic and biochemical limits of diatomic carbon utilization and overcoming those limits.”

The team used electrocatalysis, a chemical reaction triggered by electron transfer between reactants on the surface of a catalyst, to convert carbon dioxide into biocompatible intermediates such as acetate and ethanol.

Firefly partners with Brazil’s Sanepar on feedstock

UK-based SAF developer Firefly Green Fuels has signed an agreement with Sanepar, Brazil’s largest water and sanitation company, to increase its access to sustainable feedstocks for biofuel production.

Under the co-operation agreement, Firefly and Sanepar will jointly explore opportunities to convert locally aggregated biosolids (wastewater) into advanced biofuels, including SAF, the report said.

‘Brazil has emerged as a global leader in biofuels, and the partnership with Sanepar solidifies Firefly’s position in this fast-growing market,’ said James Hygate, CEO of Firefly Green Fuels.

‘The MOU reflects our commitment to our mission – to decarbonise aviation and combat climate change. The Brazilian government has recently been actively promoting biofuels through legislation and incentives, and we are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring to our company and future customers,’ he added.

Firefly also said the partnership with Sanepar is an important milestone that will ensure a stable and diversified feedstock supply for its SAF production, the report said.

bp Signs Feedstock Supply Agreement with MIGASA

Bp Energy Spain has signed a strategic agreement with Spanish agri-food group MIGASA to supply up to 40,000 tonnes per year of non-food industrial waste from vegetable oils over the next ten years.

bp will use these bio-based feedstocks in conjunction with other fossil feedstocks to process renewable fuels at its Castellón refinery, such as HVO for heavy road transport or SAF for aviation.

‘Biofuels can play a key role in decarbonising hard-to-electrify sectors such as aviation, shipping and heavy road transport. When used on a large scale, these fuels can help reduce life cycle emissions in these industries, which is why we are investing and working with customers and partners such as MIGASA to expand our offering of advanced fuels derived from renewable energy sources,’ said Olvido Moraleda, president of bp Spain.

The 10-year renewable agreement is designed to secure bp’s supply of raw materials for the production of biofuels and potentially identify new opportunities for the reuse of vegetable oil waste in the future.

Northeast India to become an important biofuel feedstock centre

Assam, with its abundant agricultural resources and strong farming community, is emerging as a key player in India’s biofuel sector. According to Assam Pollution Control Board (PCBA) Chairman Arup Kumar Mishra, the region has immense potential to become a major supplier of biofuel feedstock.

Mishra emphasized that promoting biofuel crop production not only meets the growing demand for sustainable energy but also boosts regional economic growth through eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Echoing this, SK Barua, CEO of Northeast Gas Distribution Company Ltd., highlighted the vital role of local farmers. He stated, “Sustainable farming is essential to ensure a steady supply of biofuel crops while addressing environmental challenges.”

By leveraging its agricultural strengths, Assam is poised to play a pivotal role in India’s transition to greener energy, benefiting both the local economy and the environment.

Unite UK submits SAF transition plan to Energy Minister

Unite, the UK’s largest trade union representing Grangemouth workers, has written to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband demanding action against Grangemouth.In September, Petroineos, the owner of Grangemouth, announced plans to shut down Scotland’s only refinery in the second quarter of 2025, which will result in the loss of more than 400 direct jobs. The closure will also result in the loss of thousands of jobs in the company’s supply chain.

DHL and Shell agree to supply 25,000 tonnes of SAF to Brussels in one year

November 22 – DHL Express and Shell have signed an agreement to boost sustainable airfreight at Brussels Airport.

The one-year agreement includes the delivery of 25 kt of SAF by pipeline to Brussels Airport.

The SAF used is certified under ISCC’s voluntary certification system ‘ISCC Plus’ and is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 kt CO2e compared to fossil aviation fuels.

It is produced at a fossil refinery using renewable feedstocks (co-processed SAF) instead of fossil crude oil and will be used to provide emissions-reducing air transport services to DHL Express customers through DHL GoGreen Plus.

Corteva signs MoU with bp for crop biofuel JV

Corteva, a U.S. agrochemical and seed company, announced on Nov. 18 that it has partnered with bp, Inc. in a joint interest to form a biofuel joint venture for crop-based feedstocks.

Corteva and bp have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim of establishing a joint venture that will progressively scale up production to one million tons of biofuel feedstock delivered annually for the production of SAF by the mid-2030s.

HSBC funds 3,400 metric tons of sustainable fuel for Cathay Pacific

HSBC Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific Airways (293) and Eslite have announced that HSBC will purchase approximately 3,400 metric tons of sustainable aviation fuel for refueling Cathay Pacific flights departing from Hong Kong International Airport. The purchase is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional aviation fuels, and promote the development of sustainable aviation fuels in Hong Kong.

HSBC Hong Kong has signed a one-off purchase agreement for approximately 3,400 metric tons of sustainable aviation fuel produced by Eslite for use in refueling Cathay Pacific flights departing from Hong Kong International Airport. According to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), Eastlake’s sustainable aviation fuel is produced 100% from biomass waste and is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional aviation fuel.

Notably, the sustainable jet fuel is produced from waste cooking oil from a traceable source, which is estimated to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by approximately 11,800 metric tons compared to the same amount of conventional jet fuel, equivalent to approximately 10,000 Economy Class journeys on a round-trip Cathay Pacific flight between Hong Kong and London.