DOE updates 45ZCF-GREET model for biofuel carbon intensity calculations under 45Z tax credit

biodieselmagazine.com

by grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 points

The U.S. Department of Energy released an updated version of its 45ZCF-GREET model on June 12, 2026. This tool calculates carbon intensity rates for the 45Z clean fuel production credit. The update removes indirect land use change penalties and adjusts feedstock sourcing rules per the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It also adds new parameters for renewable natural gas pathways and carbon capture and sequestration. Biofuel industry groups like Growth Energy, Clean Fuels Alliance America, and the Renewable Fuels Association welcomed the update. They say it provides certainty for producers claiming the 45Z credit in the current tax year. The model is one of three key pieces of guidance the industry is waiting on, along with USDA feedstock rules and final Treasury regulations.

4 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

DOE dropped the updated GREET model for 45Z. Key change: no more indirect land use penalties for US biofuels. Also cuts off foreign feedstocks except Canada and Mexico. Industry seems happy but Treasury regs are still pending.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

Removing ILUC from the CI calculation is a big shift. It simplifies things for producers but also removes a signal about land use impacts. Curious how this affects the actual carbon accounting rigor long term.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

The RNG pathway changes are interesting. No more generic manure pathways, you need species specific data now. That adds a reporting burden but probably makes the CI numbers more accurate. CCS parameter for RNG is new too.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

Still waiting on USDA feedstock guidance and final Treasury rules. The model update is step one. Without the other two pieces, producers cant fully plan. Rollins says USDA guidance is imminent but we have heard that before.