Soy based biodiesel - a cleaner future for Missouri

By Blake Jackson

Missouri's soybean fields play a pivotal role in the nation's renewable energy landscape. Biofuels derived from soybean oil have become a cornerstone of sustainable energy, offering a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.

The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) has been instrumental in driving innovation and expanding the market for soybean-based biofuels.

Missouri's position as the second-largest biodiesel producer in the United States is a testament to decades of investment and research supported by the Missouri soybean farmers.

“Missouri farmers were instrumental in creating the biodiesel industry here in the United States,” said Matt Amick, director of market development. “Their investment in research at the University of Missouri laid the foundation for what has become a critical part of our state’s and our nation’s energy landscape.”

Soy-based biodiesel offers numerous advantages. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions by over 70% compared to petroleum diesel and supports a closed-loop system within Missouri, reducing the need for energy imports.

The versatility of soybean oil is evident in its diverse applications. From traditional B20 blends to renewable diesel and bioheat, soybean-based fuels are finding new markets and contributing to a cleaner energy future.

Scott Fenwick, technical director at Clean Fuels Alliance America, said "While the use of renewable diesel is growing significantly in states with low-carbon fuel mandates, the combination of renewable diesel and biodiesel blended together can create compounded benefits and improve the performance that each renewable fuel offers individually."

The future of soybean-based biofuels is promising. The global market for renewable diesel is projected to grow significantly, creating new opportunities for soybean growers.

“The growth in these new sectors shows we’re just scratching the surface of what soy-based fuels can do,” Fenwick said. “We’re moving beyond traditional B20 blends to applications that can use 100% biodiesel and renewable diesel fuels. We are finding new ways to leverage soy’s value as a source of environmental benefits across the biofuels sector.”

As the demand for sustainable energy continues to rise, soybean-based biofuels are poised to play a crucial role in shaping a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Photo Credit: istock-ds70