Leaders from across the U.S. renewable fuels sector are set to convene in Orlando from February 24–26 for the 2026 National Ethanol Conference, which will carry the theme “Ethanol Unleashed.” The event, organized annually by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), will focus on the industry’s expanding opportunities and the remaining challenges that must be addressed to unlock ethanol’s full potential. The conference’s initial agenda has now been released.
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said this year’s program reflects the priorities consistently voiced by attendees and the broader direction in which the ethanol industry is heading. “As we approach 2026, we’re seeing a number of encouraging developments that strengthen our optimism about ethanol’s long-term role,” Cooper said. “This year’s theme speaks to the many avenues available to us as we enter what promises to be a pivotal moment for renewable fuels and the rural communities that rely on them.”
The event will feature keynote remarks from invited government officials and leading experts across the energy sector, along with a series of in-depth sessions covering key policy, technology, and market trends. Among the highlighted discussions:
- Unleashing E15: State Momentum, Federal Uncertainty, and the Road Ahead
California’s AB30 and independent actions by Midwest governors have accelerated interest in E15, even as federal policy remains unsettled. Panelists will examine how state-driven initiatives, regulatory shifts, and congressional debates are influencing the outlook for nationwide, year-round E15 availability—and what strategies may emerge if federal legislation continues to stall. - Taking the Tide: Ethanol on the High Seas
Experts will evaluate the growing potential for ethanol to serve the global marine fuel market, offering insights into policy incentives, economic viability, and the technical considerations involved in maritime applications. - 45Z: Unlocking Opportunities, Navigating Uncertainty
This session will break down the evolving guidance surrounding the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit, providing strategies for maximizing credit values while navigating a policy landscape that continues to shift. - Embracing New Technology to Pursue Competitive Advantages
Industry innovators will explore how advancements in CO₂ utilization, energy diversification, and low-carbon technologies are helping producers cut emissions, enhance resilience, and capture emerging revenue streams in a carbon-conscious economy.
Overall, the 2026 National Ethanol Conference aims to bring together policymakers, producers, and technology leaders to chart ethanol’s path forward at a time of significant industry evolution and opportunity.
