Inside the 2026 Clean Fuels Conference

As the 2026 Clean Fuels Conference wraps up, the mood in the room is clear. This industry is no longer talking about what’s possible, but about what comes next.

Hosted by the Clean Fuels Alliance America, the annual conference brought together producers, marketers, technology providers, farmers, and policymakers to take stock of where clean fuels stand and where they’re headed.

Across mainstage panels, technology showcases, and candid conversations, this year’s event underscored just how quickly clean fuels are moving from niche solutions to critical infrastructure in global energy markets.

A Market Entering Bigger Waters

The conference opened with Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen sharing reflections on 2025 and outlining strategic priorities for what promises to be a transformational year ahead. A recurring theme throughout the week was competitiveness. In particular, competition is high as rising demand abroad reshapes trade flows and raises the bar for domestic producers.

That sense of scale was reiterated later during a mainstage discussion on the marine sector. Panelists explored how an industry consuming more than 7 billion gallons domestically (and billions more globally) could become one of the next major frontiers for clean fuels.

As Clean Fuels Governing Board Chair Kent Engelbrecht put it, "the industry is in bigger waters than we’ve ever been in before, and in order to make 2026 one of the finest years yet, we’re gonna' need a bigger boat."

"The industry is in bigger waters than we’ve ever been in before, and in order to make 2026 one of the finest years yet, we’re gonna' need a bigger boat."

—Kent Engelbrecht, Clean Fuels Governing Board Chair

Technology on Display, Progress in Motion

On the show floor, attendees gathered at Conference Central for a firsthand look at heavy-duty equipment and on-road vehicles showcasing the latest diesel technology for 2026. From advanced engines to integrated fuel solutions, the Vehicle Technology Showcase highlighted how innovation is actively enabling greater use of biodiesel and other clean fuels across real-world applications.

The presence of industry leaders like John Deere and Cummins showed how closely fuel innovation and equipment evolution are moving together. These commitments reinforce an essential dynamic as clean fuels scale.

Feedstocks, Farmers, and the Pressure to Adapt

As clean fuel markets grow, so do the challenges.

Several sessions focused on feedstocks, where tightening margins, rising compliance burdens, and global competition are reshaping sourcing strategies. Producers, marketers, and advocates alike are being forced to navigate a more complex and constrained landscape.

Support from organizations like the United Soybean Board highlighted the importance of aligning agricultural innovation with fuel market growth. Remarks from national farmer-leader and past USB chair Meagan Kaiser emphasized how US farmers are advancing sustainable uses for soybeans. They will potentially play a significant role in the future of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel as they further generate momentum across the value chain.

Policy Signals and the Road Ahead

The final mainstage discussion brought the regulatory picture into sharp focus.

Clean Fuels COO Doug Whitehead and a panel of experts examined how 45Z, potential changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard, and evolving import rules are already influencing sourcing decisions and future production plans.

Rather than uncertainty alone, the takeaway was one of adaptation. The industry is learning to operate in an environment where policy, markets, and global demand intersect more tightly than ever before.

Read More: 45Z in Focus: Frequently Asked Questions

A Milestone Moment for Clean Fuels

More than any single announcement or panel, the 2026 Clean Fuels Conference marked a broader milestone. Clean fuels are no longer framed solely as alternatives or transitional options. They are being treated as durable, scalable solutions delivering real benefits today.

That shift speaks directly to the mission of the Clean Fuels Alliance: expanding markets, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring clean fuels remain a practical and impactful part of the energy system.

As the conference closes, one thing is clear: renewable fuels aren’t just growing; they’re settling into their role as essential infrastructure for the years ahead.

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