Biomass-based diesel fuels have additional advantages over other renewable fuels such as fuel ethanol because of their relatively high energy content and low carbon intensity, which allow them to qualify for higher credit values in both renewable fuel programs. The US imported 916 million gallons of biomass - based diesel in 2016 , marking a 65 % increase in demand worldwide , according to the US Energy Information Administration ( EIA ) . Imports of diesel also nearly doubled last year to reach a record 370 million gallons , up from 353 million gallons in 2015 , the agency said . The recently - expired blender 's tax credit and rising Renewable Fuel Standard ( RFS ) targets helped to incentivise demand for the fuels . While the wood - based diesel fuel market will remain flat this year , there will likely be a rise in 2018 in line with increasing RFS aims , said the EIA .
The US imported 916 million gallons of biomass - based diesel in 2016 , marking a 65 % increase in demand worldwide , according to the US Energy Information Administration ( EIA ) . Imports of diesel also nearly doubled last year to reach a record 370 million gallons , up from 353 million gallons in 2015 , the agency said . The recently - expired blender 's tax credit and rising Renewable Fuel Standard ( RFS ) targets helped to incentivise demand for the fuels . While the wood - based diesel fuel market will remain flat this year , there will likely be a rise in 2018 in line with increasing RFS aims , said the EIA .