Brazil on track to raise biodiesel output

Brazil will increase its biodiesel production capacity by around 14% when existing projects come online, according to fuels regulator ANP.

There are currently 50 biodiesel plants in operation in Brazil, with combined capacity of 20,925m3/d.

In a statement, ANP said it has issued permits for three new plants while another three are undergoing expansions.

When the projects are finalized, Brazil's biodiesel capacity will climb by 2,947m3/d, ANP said, without giving details about when the projects would be concluded.

In March, the Brazilian government raised the biodiesel admixture to 8% from 7% as part of a plan to boost domestic production of the fuel.

Brazil is the world's second largest biodiesel producer, behind the US. Soybean oil accounts for about 75% of Brazil's domestic biodiesel output, according to the US Energy Information Administration.