At ABLC 2025, several key aspects of progress in renewable diesel were discussed, often in conjunction with sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) due to overlapping feedstocks and production pathways. Here’s a summary of what was learned:
• Increased Production Capacity and Plans: The “ABLC 2025 State of the Bioeconomy” slide indicated a significant total global planned capacity for RD/SAF/DME of 23.699 billion gallons. This highlights the substantial growth anticipated in the renewable fuels sector, with renewable diesel being a significant component. Braya Renewable Fuels’ converted refinery has already begun commercial operations, producing 18,000 barrels per day of renewable diesel, with future plans to expand production. Ensyn is aiming for at least 200 million gallons per year of renewable heating fuels production in the US and Canada, with potential for expansion into other applications.
• Refinery Integration and Co-processing: A key theme was the integration of biocrudes derived from biomass into existing petroleum refineries to produce renewable diesel. Ensyn has been actively working on co-processing biocrude pathways in commercial refineries, including FCC units and gasifiers, to produce renewable naphtha and renewable diesel. They can currently supply biocrude for this purpose and anticipate increasing their supply significantly in the coming years. Similarly, BTG Bioliquids is also exploring the co-processing of their fast pyrolysis bio-oil in refineries, particularly in FCC units. Arbios, in collaboration with Licella, focuses on upgrading their Cat-HTR™ biocrude into transport fuels, implying pathways to renewable diesel and leveraging existing refinery infrastructure. Pet Technologies has developed a technology to convert unsorted municipal waste into a renewable crude oil that can be directly blended into existing crude oil in refineries to produce various renewable fuels.
• Diverse Feedstock Utilization: Renewable diesel production is being explored with a wide range of feedstocks, emphasizing flexibility and waste utilization. These include woody biomass, agricultural residues, and even municipal solid waste. Oberon Fuels is focusing on converting waste streams, including manure, into renewable fuels, with renewable natural gas being an immediate target for a project with pipeline access, but their multi-molecule strategy could potentially lead to renewable diesel as well.
• Technology Advancements: Several companies presented technologies applicable or directly producing renewable diesel:
◦ Ensyn’s Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) technology produces a biocrude that can be upgraded to renewable diesel.
◦ BioVeritas’ process to produce SAF intermediates can also potentially feed into renewable diesel production.
◦ Vertimass’s CADO technology can convert various alcohols into renewable diesel.
◦ Aether Fuels is innovating the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) route, which is a well-established pathway for producing renewable diesel from syngas.
◦ ABB highlighted facilities utilizing advanced control systems for the production of lower-emission fuels like ultra-low sulfur diesel, which could include renewable diesel.
• Challenges in Upgrading Biocrudes: While the potential of using biocrudes in refineries is significant, challenges remain. Pyrolysis oil (a type of biocrude) often needs significant cleanup due to high levels of metals, moisture, and oxygen before it can be readily processed in existing refinery infrastructure. However, companies like Honeywell have established joint ventures to tackle these integration challenges.
• Policy Support and Economic Drivers: The economic viability of renewable diesel projects is closely tied to supportive policies and incentives such as RINs and LCFS credits. The Production Tax Credit under section 45Z is also seen as crucial for the financial success of domestic renewable fuel production.
ABLC 2025 indicated substantial progress in the renewable diesel sector, with increasing production capacity, advancements in feedstock utilization and conversion technologies, and a strong focus on integrating bio-derived feedstocks into existing refinery infrastructure. While challenges in upgrading biocrudes persist, the overall outlook is positive, driven by both environmental goals and supportive policy frameworks. The discussions also highlighted the synergistic relationship between renewable diesel and SAF development.