Nuseed: Carinata oil is 1st new feedstock to get RFS pathway in nearly a decade

Carinata is the first new feedstock in almost a decade to receive a U.S. EPA pathway under the Renewable Fuel Standard program, Nuseed stated Aug. 3.

Carinata has exceeded the lifecycle greenhouse-gas (GHG) reduction requirements and received approval to generate renewable identification numbers (RINs) for both advanced biofuel (D5 RINs) and biomass-based diesel (D4 RINs).

Carinata received RIN-pathway approval specifically for the Renewable Energy Group Geismar facility to process carinata oil into renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), naphtha and liquified petroleum gas (LPG).

“It’s an important step in gaining full commercial value in the U.S.,” explained Glenn Johnston, global regulatory lead at Nuseed. “It’s also validation of Nuseed carinata’s low GHG potential. This EPA approved RFS pathway enables our nonfood Nuseed carinata cover crop, grown sustainably between main-crop rotations, to be processed into a new approved source of industry-leading low-carbon energy in the U.S.”

Following the initial petition for carinata oil to be included in Table 1 in August 2013, REG’s Geismar, Louisiana, facility filed for a producer-specific oil pathway in October 2017. Under RFS, a fuel pathway must meet low GHG requirements across the combination of three components: feedstock, production process and fuel type.

In January 2022, Nuseed and BP entered into a strategic agreement to accelerate market adoption of Nuseed carinata as a sustainable low-carbon feedstock.

Nuseed carinata is a nonfood contract cover crop grown between main-crop rotations to protect and improve soil typically exposed to carbon loss and erosion and harvested for certifiable sustainable low-carbon energy feedstock. It reduces emissions when its oil is used to replace fossil fuels, plus it removes atmospheric carbon and restores soil carbon while it grows.

Nuseed carinata does not displace primary food crops or increase land-use change and rewards the adoption of sustainable farming practices.

It is certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials under its principles and criteria, which are recognized as best-in-class in addressing key sustainability issues.

Carinata is listed by the International Civil Aviation Organization as SAF feedstock with similar industry-leading GHG savings as waste and residuals, like used cooking oil.

Established in Australia in 2006, Nuseed has grown to offer industry-leading germplasm, advanced molecular capabilities, regional R&D and commercial trials with dedicated teams in Australia, Europe, North America and South America, and sales in more than 30 countries.

Nuseed is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nufarm Ltd.