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The U.S. Biodiesel Outlook: A Pathway Toward Sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Deepayan Debnath

    (Food and Agricultural Policy and Research Institute, University of Missouri, 200 Mumford Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA)

  • Jarrett Whistance

    (Food and Agricultural Policy and Research Institute, University of Missouri, 200 Mumford Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA)

  • Wyatt Thompson

    (Food and Agricultural Policy and Research Institute, University of Missouri, 200 Mumford Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA)

Abstract

Policies to support renewable fuels are associated with economic and environmental sustainability in the United States and relate to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Consequently, these fuels have been subject to scientific scrutiny and public debate; however, new developments in biomass-based diesel can overturn past understandings and create new trends and questions. An applied economic model of these fuels, their feedstocks, and related markets is used to project volumes and associated GHG emissions into the medium-term future. Results suggest a growing use of renewable diesel that directly displaces diesel and some recovery in biodiesel use, a near-substitute fuel. Yellow grease (used cooking oil)-based feedstock usage rises, while soybean and similar oil use remain stable. The expansion of renewable diesel made from yellow grease is associated with lower GHG emissions given the regulatory settings, but these projections also raise questions about the implications for environmental and economic sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Deepayan Debnath & Jarrett Whistance & Wyatt Thompson, 2025. "The U.S. Biodiesel Outlook: A Pathway Toward Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:2:p:689-:d:1568800
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Debnath, Deepayan & Whistance, Jarrett & Thompson, Wyatt & Binfield, Julian, 2017. "Complement or substitute: Ethanol’s uncertain relationship with gasoline under alternative petroleum price and policy scenarios," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 191(C), pages 385-397.
    2. Aklesso Egbendewe-Mondzozo & Scott M. Swinton & Shujiang Kang & Wilfred M. Post & Julian C. Binfield & Wyatt Thompson, 2015. "Bioenergy Supply and Environmental Impacts on Cropland: Insights from Multi-market Forecasts in a Great Lakes Subregional Bioeconomic Model," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 37(4), pages 602-618.
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