AMERICAN BIOFUELS
It’s Already Growing
Industry Snapshot
A Uniquely American Industry
Biofuels are the foundation of a significant U.S. bioeconomy that supports manufacturing jobs that cannot be moved overseas, provides critical markets for American farmers, drives economic growth, and strengthens rural communities.
#1
The U.S. is the largest biofuels producer in the world
260+
Biofuels production facilities in the U.S.
40+
U.S. states with biofuels production facilities
640,000+
Jobs supported by the U.S. bioeconomy
Why Biofuels
A Homegrown Energy Solution
American Grown
Biofuels provide new markets, reduce price volatility and stabilize farm incomes across rural America
American Made
Nearly all biofuels blended in the U.S. is produced by U.S. biofuels producers across 40+ states
American Jobs
Biofuels is U.S. manufacturing and supports one of the highest union density rates in the energy sector
Better Performance
Biofuels reduce pump prices, emissions, and consumer capital outflow to foreign economies
Bioproducts
Ethanol
Ethanol is made by fermenting sugars and starches, typically from crops and agricultural residues. It’s a cleaner-burning alternative to gasoline. 98 percent of U.S. gasoline contains ethanol (typically 10 percent by volume).
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled grease. It's a cleaner-burning alternative to petroleum-based diesel and is often blended with traditional diesel fuel.
Renewable Diesel
Like biodiesel, renewable diesel is produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste oils. A different production process allows “RD” to meet the same certification standard as petroleum diesel - which is advantageous for some applications.
SAF
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (sometimes called Clean Aviation Fuel) is a biofuel made from plant or animal materials (oilseeds, tallow, cooking oil). It meets the same performance specification as conventional jet fuel, allowing for its use in existing aircraft.
Clean CO2
Ethanol production (fermentation) generates CO2 as a byproduct. This food-grade “pure CO2” (i.e., contains no pollutants) is captured and utilized in applications like dry ice production for food storage and preservation.
Biochemicals
Bio-derived biochemicals can be used in various industries, including the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. These biochemicals are alternatives to petro-chemicals and can be used to make bioplastics, biomaterials and other bioproducts.
DDGS
Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS) are the remaining solids after ethanol is distilled from a fermented grain slurry. DDGS are a valuable livestock feedstuff, as they are rich in protein, energy, and other nutrients.