RIN generation

To generate a Renewable Identification Number (RIN), a renewable fuel must be produced according to an approved pathway and must achieve a certain reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to a 2005 baseline. A pathway consists of the feedstock used as a base, the production process, and the final fuel produced.

Under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), five types of RINs can be generated, each differentiated by a ‘D Code’ ranging from D3 to D7. The D code assigned to a renewable fuel is determined by the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction in the pathway to create the fuel, compared to the fossil fuel it displaces.

There are five different types of EPA RIN designation for each gallon of fuel supplied within the U.S.