In this blog post, we will explore the key components that make up a renewable fuel pathway: inputs, production processes, and fuel types. Understanding these elements is crucial for grasping how renewable fuels are created and regulated.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a central role in classifying these pathways by assigning Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) and evaluating the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with different feedstocks, production processes, and fuel types.
From biomass feedstocks like soybean oil and used cooking oil to advanced production techniques such as hydrotreating and transesterification, let’s break down how these factors contribute to the development of renewable fuels that help reduce our carbon footprint.
What is a Fuel Pathway
A fuel pathway is the process through which renewable fuels are produced, involving three critical components: inputs, production processes, and fuel types. Each component plays a crucial role in determining how renewable fuels are created, regulated, and classified.
- Inputs: These are the raw materials or feedstocks used to produce renewable fuels.
- Production Process: This refers to the technology and methods used to convert raw materials into fuel.
- Fuel Type: The final product of the pathway, which can include liquid, gaseous fuels, or electricity derived from renewable biomass.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assigns one or more D codes representing the type of Renewable Identification Number (RIN) once it qualifies the pathway — examples include renewable fuel, advanced biofuel, and biomass-based diesel.
What is an Input in a Fuel Pathway
Biomass, which includes feedstocks such as soybean oil, used cooking oil, and landfill gas emissions, undergoes a conversion process into renewable fuel.
While it is possible to combine multiple feedstocks to convert them into renewable fuel, the EPA assesses each feedstock individually when calculating lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions for a fuel pathway, even if each feedstock could be processed independently to produce the same type of fuel.
What is a Production Process in a Fuel Pathway
A production process is the type of plant and equipment used to convert renewable biomass into renewable fuel. Some common techniques include Hydrotreating, gasification, and transesterification using natural gas or biomass for process energy.
EPA’s lifecycle greenhouse gas analyses consist of an evaluation of all of the process energy and inputs used in a production process. EPA may restrict the production process based on what types of process energy it uses.
What is a Fuel Type in a Fuel Pathway
Renewable fuels, including liquid, gaseous options, and electricity from renewable biomass, qualify for the RFS program if intended for transportation, heating oil, or jet fuel. Examples are ethanol, biodiesel, cellulosic diesel, compressed natural gas, and biomass-derived electricity.
The EPA conducts comprehensive lifecycle greenhouse gas analyses, assessing process energy and materials use, covering feedstock storage, production, and co-product handling emissions.
The EPA evaluates the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of finished fuels without further chemical alteration for their final purpose.
According to the EPA, a fuel qualifies as finished if it blends with another without chemical change. For instance, undenatured ethanol undergoes assessment as a fuel type despite blending with denaturant and gasoline before use in transportation fuel.
Ready to explore how renewable fuel pathways can help your business reduce emissions and meet sustainability goals? Contact us today to learn more about how P6 Technologies can support your transition to cleaner, greener fuels!