National Biodiesel Day celebrates growth amid industry challenges

Biodiesel and renewable diesel have seen extraordinary growth in recent years, with more opportunities to come.

In recognition of National Biodiesel Day, Clean Fuels Alliance America celebrates both the progress made and the resilience of those who continue to push forward despite challenges.

National Biodiesel Day is held annually on March 18, the birthday of Rudolf Diesel, who invented the diesel engine.

Diesel was a proponent of using plant oils to fuel vehicles and one of the forefathers of the biodiesel industry.

“Rudolf Diesel set out to change the world,” said Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen. “He was a fierce advocate for the use of vegetable and nut oil as fuel. He saw it not only as a tool to break up the oil monopoly but as an opportunity for economic growth in rural communities.”

Today, that vision is being realized like never before.

Biodiesel and renewable diesel consumption hit the 5-billion-gallon mark last year for the first time and are now 9 percent of America’s diesel fuel supply.

While clean fuels have become a crucial pillar of farm and energy security, however, market uncertainty and shifting market conditions pose challenges to continued growth.

Farmers and producers are navigating these complexities while continuing to supply the nation with low-carbon fuels.

“Clean fuels are essential for our farm and food security,” Rehagen said. “Growing our use of soybean and other oils creates a strong domestic market for America’s farmers and provides flexibility and stability to withstand market uncertainty.”

Looking ahead, these industries are poised to deliver even more fuel in even more industries.

Clean fuels have room for growth in semis and other heavy-duty trucks, as well as emerging transport markets such as rail, marine and aviation.

“On this day, we remember the dream of Rudolf Diesel to power our vehicles with products grown by U.S. farmers,” Rehagen said. “Despite challenges, we have made unprecedented progress in the last decade to fulfill that dream. All of us, from farmers and soybean processors to fuel producers and end users, are proud to be a part of these valuable American industries.”

Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats, the clean-fuels industry is a proven, integral part of America’s clean-energy future.

Clean Fuels Alliance America is the U.S. trade association representing the entire biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel supply chain, including producers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors. 

Clean Fuels receives funding from a broad mix of private companies and associations, including the United Soybean Board, Nebraska Soybean Board and other state checkoff organizations.