Recent Developments in the Biofuels and Ethanol Sectors
This article highlights recent developments impacting the biofuels and ethanol sectors, including Growth Energy’s comments on U.S. trade rules, the U.S. Grains Council symposium in Kenya, data from the EPA on RINs and SRE petitions, Brazil’s new E30 fuel blend, and the upcoming SAF Conference.
On March 24, 2025, Growth Energy submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative advocating for a revision or removal of recent rules aimed at countering China’s influence in global shipping. The organization expressed its concerns regarding the impact these regulations may have on the ethanol sector.
The U.S. Grains Council hosted a clean cooking symposium in Nairobi, Kenya, on March 21, 2025. The event aimed to engage local industry leaders and policymakers, emphasizing the environmental and health benefits associated with biofuels used for cooking.
Recent data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that 1.52 billion Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) were generated under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in February. This figure reflects a substantial decline of over 25% compared to the 2.04 billion RINs generated in February of the previous year, according to the EPA’s release on March 20, 2025.
Also on March 20, the EPA updated its data on Small Refinery Exemptions (SRE), revealing that four new petitions had been submitted within the past month. Currently, there are a total of 156 pending SRE petitions, as noted by the agency.
On March 17, Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy announced successful tests conducted by the Mauá Institute of Technology, demonstrating the feasibility of adopting an E30 fuel blend, up from the present E27. This development suggests a potential shift in Brazil’s fuel blending policy.
From September 22 to 24, 2025, the North American Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Conference & Expo will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minnesota. This event, organized by SAF Magazine in collaboration with the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), aims to present the latest advancements in aviation fuel decarbonization and address industry challenges.
In summary, recent developments in the biofuels and ethanol sectors underscore crucial changes and discussions taking place at both the national and international levels. From regulatory adjustments proposed by Growth Energy to innovative blending tests in Brazil, the industry is navigating a complex landscape. Additionally, events like the clean cooking symposium and the upcoming SAF Conference highlight the ongoing focus on sustainability and health benefits associated with biofuels.
Original Source: www.ethanolproducer.com
