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.

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.

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.

China plans to issue its first 500,000 metric tons of export quotas for marine biofuel blends by early 2025, targeting European trade routes in an effort to support domestic biodiesel producers hit by European Union anti-dumping tariffs, according to industry sources and consulting firm JLC, according to a report by Texas-based Global Trade.

State-owned oil companies PetroChina, Sinopec and CNOOC are expected to receive quotas for the B24 blend, which contains 24 percent biodiesel and 76 percent low-sulfur fuel oil. The move is aimed at countering a slump in exports and promoting the use of low-carbon fuels for ships between China and the European Union. Zhoushan Port, a key player in China’s bunker trade, is expected to benefit from increased sales of biofuels, mirroring the trend in global hubs such as Singapore and Rotterdam.

Singapore’s 2024 biofuel production already exceeds 650,000 tons, underscoring the growing demand. While China’s Ministry of Commerce has yet to comment on the quotas, the move represents an effort to stabilize its biodiesel industry and increase competitiveness in the international marine fuel market.

On November 14, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Bioenergy Technologies and Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management announced $20.2 million (approximately $146 million) in funding for 10 university and industry projects to advance the development of hybrid algae for low-carbon biofuels and bioproducts.

The selected projects, located in seven states, will work on high-impact research and development (R&D) focused on converting algae, such as seaweed and other wet waste feedstocks, into low-carbon fuels, chemicals, and agricultural products to decarbonize domestic transportation and industry.

The U.S. Clean Fuels Coalition and 10 national and state associations sent a letter to U.S. House and Senate leaders on 14 November requesting a one-year extension of the 40A Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel Blender Tax Credit.

With less than 60 days left before the scheduled transition to the new 45Z Clean Fuels Production Credit and without adequate guidance from the U.S. Treasury, a one-year extension of the existing policy is needed to provide certainty and stability for stakeholders in the biodiesel and renewable diesel industries.

Building on the success of the Eversa portfolio in Brazil, Novonesis’ new bio-solution, Eversa Advance, addresses the challenge of processing feedstocks containing up to 20 per cent FFA. The product helps biodiesel producers improve operational efficiency, reduce total pretreatment operating costs by up to 45 per cent and reduce environmental impact.

Olfar is one of the largest industrial biodiesel groups in Brazil and was the first company to adopt Novonesis’ patent-pending FlexFit® Advance technology using the Eversa® Advance bio-solution. Their plant is currently running well and producing biodiesel.

The UK’s Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has provisionally proposed to maintain countervailing measures against Argentine biodiesel imports.In a statement of essential facts, the TRA has proposed that the duty payable on Argentine biodiesel imports be maintained in the 25-33.4 per cent range until February 2029.The TRA has also proposed that the duty be maintained in the 25-33.4 per cent range for Argentine imports.

Biodiesel consumption in the UK was approximately 1.8 million metric tonnes during the period under investigation. Demand for renewable fuels in the UK is driven by the government’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, ultimately supporting its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

TRA found that trends indicate that UK biodiesel is a growth industry, but that the UK is one of the few available markets with growing production capacity in Argentina.

As a result, TRA found that subsidised imports of biodiesel into Argentina are likely to recur if countervailing measures are no longer applied to these goods. In addition, due to the vulnerable position of the UK biodiesel industry, the injury is likely to recur if countervailing measures are no longer imposed.

Nov. 13｜The Indonesian government on Wednesday reiterated to lawmakers that it will implement the B40 biodiesel program in January 2025 as part of the new government’s “Rapid Results” program, sources said.

The program was mentioned in a speech by Indonesia’s Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, who also told a parliamentary hearing that the government expects to implement the B50 program in 2026.

Raising the biodiesel blend to 40% from the current 35% is meant to reduce fuel imports, which analysts say will increase palm oil demand and support prices.

Malaysian palm oil futures are up about 35% this year. At an industry conference last week, Oil World analyst Thomas Mielke estimated that the introduction of B40 would push prices up another 10-15 percent.

This statement from Indonesia’s energy minister about the timeline of the B50 implementation plan is more aggressive than a statement from a senior Indonesian official at the Indonesian Palm Oil Conference last week, who said last week that the government was considering increasing the biodiesel blend ratio by 2028.

On November 8, NATSO and SIGMA, representing nearly 80% of retail fuel locations, urged Congress to capitalize on growing momentum during the lame-duck session to extend several expiring tax credits, including the critical $1-per-gallon biodiesel blender tax credit. This tax incentive has been essential in reducing diesel costs, lowering transportation expenses, and supporting the nation’s renewable fuel market growth.

Both associations commended Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for his commitment to preserving biodiesel tax incentives among key “must-pass” provisions. They expressed gratitude toward Representatives Mike Carey (R-OH), Annie Kuster (D-NH), and Claudia Tenney (R-NY), who co-sponsored bipartisan bill HR 9060 to extend the credit by one year.

The biodiesel blender tax credit plays a vital role in the short-term strategy to cut emissions in the trucking and rail industries. Despite its pivotal role, ongoing policy uncertainty—fueled by delays in guidance from the Biden administration on the 45Z clean fuel production credit—has created challenges for producers and retailers. HR 9060 has garnered support from diverse industry stakeholders, such as the American Trucking Association and various state soybean associations, emphasizing the credit’s importance.

Extending the tax credit would provide stability to the biodiesel and renewable diesel sectors, enabling them to continue reducing carbon emissions, keeping diesel prices low, and offering relief to consumers. This credit has helped expand the U.S. biodiesel market from 100 million gallons in 2005 to nearly 4 billion gallons in 2023, marking a significant step toward sustainable transportation.