Renewable Diesel

RD is truly a “drop-in” replacement for conventional diesel. It meets the same standard (ASTM D975), which allows it to be handled, stored and used in identical fashion. Even when used in its “neat” (100%) form, RD does not require significant modifications for vehicles, storage tanks, fuel dispensers, etc. RD can be blended with conventional diesel and/or biodiesel, to extend its supply while also proportionally delivering these various benefits to society and end users.

RD qualifies as a renewable, “biomass-based” diesel fuel under EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). It is assigned a “D4” Renewable Identification Number (RIN), which requires a minimum GHG reduction of 50%. Blending RD into petroleum diesel allows refiners and importers to satisfy their annual RFS obligations. This helps keep prices down for fleets that purchase it.

RD has also become the top credit generator under California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (and a similar program in Oregon). It has an average “carbon-intensity” rating that is about 65% lower than conventional diesel. This generates lucrative credits that, especially when combined with federal RIN values (below), enables fleets in these states to purchase RD at (or nearly at) parity with conventional diesel.

“Neat” (100%) RD provides full-fuel-cycle emissions reductions of GHGs that currently average about 65% relative to conventional diesel. RD also can significantly reduce emissions of smog-forming pollutants, as well as various “toxic air contaminants” like diesel particulate matter.

RD is a premium fuel that helps extend the life of diesel engines and vehicles. For example, combusting RD produces much less soot compared to combusting conventional diesel. This can greatly improve the performance and durability of diesel particulate filters (DPFs), as well as other engine/vehicle components.

RD has nearly the same energy content per gallon as conventional diesel. Fleet users report no noticeable difference in vehicle performance or fuel economy. In fact, RD’s higher cetane reading compared to conventional diesel helps promote improvements in fuel combustion and other engine performance factors.

RD can be stored over long periods just like conventional diesel, with no deterioration in quality.