Available lipids can pace biobased diesel demand through 2030 after accounting for food

Growing demand for biobased diesel can be met with projected supply of lipid feedstocks through 2030 without encroaching on food resources, according to a new study from LMC International commissioned by the Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA).

The study exclusively examined the outlook for supply of lipid feedstocks to determine their ability to meet ABFA’s objectives for carbon reduction by reaching 21 billion gallons of biobased diesel by 2040. ABFA commissioned LMC’s analysis to offer hard data as a resource for government agencies and Congress to consider when setting future renewable volume obligation (RVO) mandates under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

To reach ABFA’s goal of 21 billion gallons of biobased diesel products by 2040, production will need to reach close to 9 billion gallons in 2030, requiring 32 million metric tons of lipids. Feedstock supplies available for use in the U.S. are more than enough to meet the forecasted demand after accounting for food.

“This analysis shows conclusively that we have enough feedstock in the United States to build the biodiesel volumes currently mandated under the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said Michael McAdams, president of ABFA. “As we look toward our industry’s future, it’s also very encouraging to know the U.S. has the resources to expand into new renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel applications. ABFA’s members have major projects currently in development in these spaces, and we are looking forward to seeing more production coming online each year as we work toward our 2040 goal of 21 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel.”

To view the study’s conclusion page, click here. For the summary slides, click here.

ABFA represents more than 45 member-companies in the U.S. and around the world who develop, produce and distribute advanced biofuels. Collectively, these companies produce 5 billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel each year, including cellulosic heating oil. ABFA also represents distribution firms that are among the largest generators of D4 renewable identification numbers (RINs) in the U.S., marketing and selling significant quantities of biodiesel and renewable heating oil around the country.