Development and Prospects of Biomass-Based Fuels for Heavy-Duty Truck Applications: A Case Study in Oregon

Asiful Alam, Robert J. Macias, John Sessions, Chukwuemeka Valentine Okolo, Swagat Attreya, Kevin Lyons and Andres Susaeta ()
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Asiful Alam: Forest Engineering, Resources and Management, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Robert J. Macias: Forest Engineering, Resources and Management, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
John Sessions: Forest Engineering, Resources and Management, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Chukwuemeka Valentine Okolo: Forest Engineering, Resources and Management, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Swagat Attreya: Forest Engineering, Resources and Management, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Kevin Lyons: Forest Engineering, Resources and Management, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Andres Susaeta: Forest Engineering, Resources and Management, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-25

Abstract: Decarbonizing Oregon’s heavy-duty trucking sector, which accounts for 24% of the state’s transportation emissions, is essential for meeting carbon reduction targets. Drop-in fuels such as renewable diesel, biodiesel, and synthetic fuels provide an immediate and effective solution, reducing emissions by up to 80% while utilizing the existing diesel infrastructure. In 2023, Oregon’s heavy-duty trucks consumed 450 million gallons of diesel, with drop-in fuels making up 15% of the fuel mix. Renewable diesel, which is growing at a rate of 30% annually, accounted for 10% of this volume, thanks to incentives from Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program. By 2030, drop-in fuels could capture 40% of the market, reducing CO 2 emissions by 3.5 million metric tons annually, assuming continued policy support and advancements in feedstock sourcing. Meeting the projected demand of 200 million gallons annually and securing sustainable feedstock remain critical challenges. Advances in synthetic fuels, like Power-to-Liquids (PtL) from renewable energy, may further contribute to decarbonization, with costs expected to decrease by 20% over the next decade. Oregon aims for a 50% reduction in emissions from heavy-duty trucks by 2050, using a mix of drop-in fuels and emerging technologies. While hydrogen fuel cells and electric trucks face challenges, innovations in infrastructure and vehicle design will be key to the success of Oregon’s long-term decarbonization strategy.

Keywords: heavy duty truck; renewable energy; biofuel; pyrolysis; greenhouse gas emissions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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