Crude Processing

The landscape for biofuels in the US and Brazil is undergoing a fundamental shift as policymakers and producers increasingly prioritize low-carbon feedstocks over traditional crop-based oils like soybean and canola oil.

The palm oil market is poised for continued strength in 2025, driven by a mix of factors including rising biodiesel demand, higher tariffs, and sustained consumption of edible oils, while production is expected to remain relatively stagnant.

Braya Renewable Fuels, Canada's largest renewable diesel (RD) producer, is considering an economic shutdown of its 18K b/d biorefinery in Come-by-Chance, Newfoundland, and Labrador, by the end of 2024.

The US biofuel sector is grappling with growing uncertainty surrounding the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z), a key provision of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed in 2022.

The new EUDR could lead to a significant shortage of PKO in the European market.

Canadian renewable fuel producers are experiencing challenges due to a surge in US renewable diesel imports.

In Aug., renewable feedstock usage in the US saw a slight dip, although it remained near historical highs.

Vertex Energy Inc. has transitioned its hydrocracker at the Mobile, Alabama, refining complex back to conventional processing as of Oct. 9, 2024.

In the US, California's regulatory framework is undergoing significant changes with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) advancing new restrictions on crop-based biofuels.

In France, Haffner Energy and Bambbco have announced a partnership aimed at optimizing biomass procurement for clean fuels production, focusing on utilizing crops grown on marginal land.