Industry

Renewable Fuels

Renewable fuels and biofuels are closely intertwined with their traditional petroleum counterparts. We draw upon our deep understanding of these connections, developed through decades of experience in the downstream fuels industry, providing technical and economic insights that assist our clients to navigate the transition to more sustainable fuels, from renewable diesel to green hydrogen. Our consultants provide strategic advice on project economics, considering the entire value chain, including key factors such as raw material pricing, availability, yields, processing requirements, technology feasibility, scale-up considerations, regulatory requirements, and tax incentives.

Our consultants have long been at the forefront of the petroleum fuels industry. Now, they bring that same expertise to the renewable fuels sector, continually monitoring evolving market demands. Our ongoing analysis allows us to apply our extensive knowledge in product pricing and refining margin models to evaluate new-build project economics and determine the value of existing assets. We analyze the integration of renewable fuels into the existing energy supply chain using our proven PRISMTM platform, delivering actionable insights and creating an unparalleled competitive advantage for our clients.

Our clients trust us to tackle their most challenging questions. We assist developers and operators advance their strategies and navigate the subsidy landscape, examine project proposals highlighting risks for investors, and help develop sustainable fuel sourcing strategies for end-users, such as airlines.

Case Studies

Renewable Diesel – What’s in a Spec?

April 19, 2024

A refinery sold diesel derived from co-processed renewable feedstocks that customers later claimed damaged vehicle engines and contaminated storage tanks; poor cold-flow properties were suspected. Baker & O’Brien’s consultants stepped in and evaluated the refinery's production and blending methods and subsequent corrective actions. Our expert report facilitated the dispute resolution.

Defining Ethanol's "Cost-of-Production" - What's Included?

July 1, 2014

A "cost-of-production" price dispute emerged for ethanol supplied to a gasoline retailer within the context of the United States Government Renewable Fuel Standard. As the ethanol market matured and prices settled, the original formula was challenged as an inaccurate reflection of costs. Baker & O'Brien investigated the comprehensive ethanol plant production costs, products, and revenues, and provided an opinion to the arbitrators.

Sugar Not So Sweet When Fire Damages a Sugar Cane Mill

April 1, 2017

This article pertains to the basis for a business interruption insurance claim for a sugar cane mill that sustained production losses after an explosion and fire. We applied our process operations expertise to understand the basis of the claim as it pertained to sugar cane harvesting, mill operations, capacity utilization, reliability, operating costs, and bagasse utilization. Our expert report-used by the parties in subsequent negotiations-addressed the key point of whether damages had been remediated in an appropriate and timely manner.