by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2022? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead.
As the sunset of 2021 gives way to the dawn of 2022, once again roll the dice as we list the Digest’s 10 Top Advanced Bioeconomy Markets and Predictions for 2022.
10. Feedstocks – oilseeds are on the comeback trail
It’s official. The world is not going to commercialize advanced biofuels, or even satiate the world appetite for SAF, based on waste fats, oils and greases. Long term, think forest residues. Short term, think plant-based oils, though palm is probably not in the equation until its image is rehabbed. Leaving soybeans and canola (rapeseed) in the drivers seat, and new crops like carinata and pennycress right behind. Also, camellia’s making a comeback. Bottom line, more SAF and renewable diesel, for the time being, means more plant oils. And that’s good news for feedstock growers, who love biodiesel but have lamented the blending restrictions such as B2, B5 or B20.