Global biodiesel and renewable diesel production 2023, by country

The United States is the world's largest producer of biodiesel and renewable diesel. In 2023, the U.S. had a reported output of ************* liters. The U.S. succeeded Indonesia as the largest producer of these biofuels largely due to a rise in renewable diesel production. 

Biodiesel feedstocks and production processes

Biodiesel is generally composed of a chemically reacting lipid, such as a vegetable oil or an animal fat, and an alcohol that produces fatty acid esters. It is meant to be used in normal diesel engines and can be used alone or as a blend with petroleum derived diesel. Some blends of biodiesel can also be used for heating purposes. Using biodiesel can reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, particulates, hydrocarbons, and sulfates. If the fuel is blended, its emissions’ reduction depends on the blend’s composition. Biodiesel can also degrade at a much faster rate than normal diesel fuel. However, reliance on food-source crops has been criticized for keeping food prices high and furthering deforestation and monoculture in vulnerable areas.

U.S. rise to top biofuel producer

After the implementation of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 which provided tax incentives for certain types of energy, biodiesel production in the U.S. began to increase. Since then, the U.S. has become by far the largest producer of biofuels overall.