According to data released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on October 19, there has been a notable uptick in the Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) generated under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Nearly 1.95 billion RINs were generated in September 2023, compared to 1.73 billion in the same month last year. The total RIN generation for the first nine months of 2023 reached 17.41 billion, an increase from 15.63 billion generated during the comparable period in 2022.
The data showed that 59.1 million D3 cellulosic biofuel RINs were generated in September. A breakdown reveals that 52.02 million were generated for compressed renewable natural gas (RNG) by domestic producers, with smaller fractions attributed to other types of biofuel and importers.
“The numbers clearly indicate a growing commitment to renewable fuels, especially compressed RNG, in our energy strategy,” an EPA spokesperson stated.
For D4 biomass-based diesel RINs, September saw over 674.96 million generated. Notably, 380.65 million were generated for nonester renewable diesel by domestic producers.
Regarding D5 advanced biofuel RINs, 35.4 million were generated in September, with a sizable chunk—19.4 million—generated for ethanol by importers.
D6 renewable fuel RINs saw nearly 1.18 billion generated in September, with the vast majority, 1.17 billion, being generated for ethanol by domestic producers.
No D7 cellulosic diesel RINs were generated in September, with the total for the first nine months of 2023 standing at 166,084, all attributed to cellulosic heating oil by importers.
The increase in RIN generation signals an accelerated pace in the adoption of renewable fuels, with compressed RNG and nonester renewable diesel witnessing significant growth.
“As the data suggests, there's a consistent uptick across multiple categories. It's a positive indication for the renewable fuels sector,” said an industry analyst.
The figures for 2023 point toward a stronger and more diversified renewable fuel market in the U.S., characterized by a broad range of biofuels and renewable gases. As various types of renewable energy gain traction, it remains to be seen how these trends will shape the energy landscape in the coming years.
