The Clean Fuels Conference brings together the full clean fuels value chain—fuel producers, feedstock suppliers, fuel marketers, fleets, policymakers, researchers, and advocates—for several days of discussion, technical insight, and forward-looking strategy. Hosted by Clean Fuels Alliance America, the conference serves as a central convening point for an industry focused on scaling biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel as practical, near-term solutions for cleaner transportation, stronger domestic energy production, and economic growth.
This year’s conference opened with a clear sense of momentum. Against a backdrop of policy uncertainty, evolving markets, and growing global demand for low-carbon fuels, the tone was both realistic and optimistic—focused on what the industry has already accomplished and what continued collaboration can unlock next.
A Message of Resilience and Shared Purpose
Opening remarks from Donnell Rehagen set that tone early. Rehagen reflected on the challenges the biobased diesel industry has navigated in recent years, from market volatility to shifting policy landscapes, while emphasizing that biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel have continued to prove their value in real-world applications.
These fuels are delivering dependable performance, measurable emissions reductions, and tangible economic benefits today—supporting farmers, creating jobs, improving air quality, and strengthening U.S. energy security. Rehagen underscored that success has not come from any single segment of the industry, but from coordination across producers, feedstock suppliers, fleets, policymakers, and advocates working toward shared goals. Collaboration, he noted, is a competitive advantage.
Playing the Long Game
That message was reinforced by Kent Engelbrecht, board chair of Clean Fuels Alliance America and a leader at ADM. Engelbrecht challenged attendees to remain focused on long-term outcomes, even when progress feels incremental. Durable markets, stable policy frameworks, and trusted partnerships take time to build, but they are essential for sustained growth.
Engelbrecht captured the moment with a quote from Robert Louis Stevenson: “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.” The sentiment resonated throughout the room, reflecting the reality that much of the work happening today across biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel is foundational.
A Broad Look at Markets, Policy, and Opportunity
Beyond the opening sessions, the conference agenda reflects the breadth and maturity of the clean fuels industry. Sessions throughout the week explore market outlooks for biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel; domestic and international policy drivers; feedstock availability and innovation; and expanding opportunities across trucking, marine, rail, and aviation sectors.
Several sessions focus on marine and aviation applications, highlighting how clean fuels are extending beyond on-road use to provide immediately deployable solutions for harder-to-decarbonize sectors. Others examine fleet adoption, fuel quality standards, infrastructure readiness, and the role of clean fuels in meeting corporate sustainability commitments. Together, these discussions reinforce that clean fuels are already embedded in the transportation system and positioned for continued growth.
Moving Forward—Together
As the Clean Fuels Conference continues, one theme remains constant: progress depends on working together. The challenges facing the clean fuels industry are real, but so are the opportunities. By aligning around shared priorities—cleaner air, energy security, farmer demand, economic resilience, and practical solutions that work today—the industry is well positioned to continue building momentum.
The optimism that opened the conference is grounded in experience. Biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel are delivering results now, and the collaboration on display shows an industry committed to laying the groundwork for long-term success. Stronger together is not just a message—it is a strategy guiding what comes next.
Image Credit: Bailey Arnold, Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition.