
New regulatory standards and incentives, coupled with environmental benefits and inherent operating advantages, are driving fast growth in the renewable diesel sector. Categorized as a drop-in fuel, renewable diesel can be produced from several biomass-based feedstocks that correspond to existing petroleum-derived fuels specifications. Drop-in fuels can be directly substituted for fossil fuels while removing the need for blending or engine modifications associated with other biofuels. The U.S. capacity to produce renewable diesel is forecasted to increase from the current 0.6 billion gallons per year to more than 5 billion gallons by the end of 2024.
The high-temperature and high-pressure processes used to refine petroleum are similar to the processes used for renewable diesel refining, driving many refiners to consider petroleum-to-renewable diesel refinery conversions to capture this new market opportunity. Given the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), California Low-Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and available tax credits, the time is right to evaluate a transition.
While petroleum refining processes are generally conducive for renewable diesel production, challenges associated with handling wastewater from renewable feed pretreatment processes must be considered. An early understanding of the considerable differences in wastewater generated from renewable diesel production facilities can mitigate risks to project scope, compliance and cost.