Clean Fuels Conference - Biofuels on Rise

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) recently participated in the Clean Fuels Conference in San Diego from January 20-23. This event was part of the See for Yourself (SFY) program, now in its 17th year, which aims to educate and expose fuel industry stakeholders to the latest advancements in biofuels including biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel.

During the conference, organized by Clean Fuels Alliance America, MSR&PC's delegation, consisting of farm leaders and industry professionals, explored new technologies and discussed the evolving landscape of biofuels.

The visit was timely, coinciding with recent federal updates on clean transportation fuels, although the industry faces uncertainties with the changing administration.

California's role as a leader in renewable fuel consumption set the backdrop for the conference. The state has adopted aggressive measures to reduce carbon emissions, influencing neighboring states and setting benchmarks for consumption.

Renewable diesel, for example, accounts for 75% of all liquid diesel fuel used in California, showcasing significant market adoption and the potential for similar uptake in other states.

The conference also highlighted the increasing interest in the transportation sector, particularly the railway industry. All six class-one railroad companies in the U.S. have joined Clean Fuels, driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions.

Biodiesel and renewable diesel offer immediate solutions for these companies, as they can be used with existing technologies without requiring significant modifications.

Discussions at the conference also touched on the challenges of feedstock supply for renewable fuels and the broader impacts on the environment and agricultural practices. The knowledge exchange between states, represented by various stakeholders, provided valuable insights that could help shape the future of renewable fuels in agriculture.

This educational initiative by MSR&PC reflects the ongoing commitment to support and promote renewable energy solutions within the agricultural sector, highlighting the critical role of biofuels in sustainable agricultural practices and the broader energy landscape.

Photo Credits:minnesota-soybean-council