In recent years, global attention to climate change and sustainability has surged among legislators, consumers, and corporations. Consequently, the transportation sector is actively seeking ways to curb greenhouse gas emissions, fostering a growing demand for cleaner fuel sources such as renewable diesel.
The United States, ranking second only to China in carbon emissions, faces a significant challenge in mitigating the environmental impact of its transportation sector, which is a major contributor to these emissions. Freight trucks, responsible for nearly 25% of overall transportation emissions according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, have become a focal point for emission reduction efforts.
To address this challenge, reducing reliance on fossil fuels is imperative. Among the array of alternatives being explored, a notable and efficient solution is the adoption of renewable diesel, offering a swift and straightforward path to cleaner transportation.
Neste, the world’s leading producer of renewable fuels, boasts one of its flagship products, Neste MY Renewable Diesel (™). This innovative fuel, compatible with all diesel engines, can be used either pure or blended with petroleum diesel at any ratio, facilitating seamless integration into any fleet’s fueling strategy.
Beyond compatibility, renewable diesel brings substantial sustainability benefits and potential operational advantages for carriers seeking to enhance the longevity of their trucks. Matt Leuck, North America Technical Manager of Renewable Road Transportation at Neste, emphasizes the potential to reduce a customer fleet’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75%, attributing this achievement to the avoidance of crude oil and petroleum usage.
Moreover, Neste MY Renewable Diesel’s exceptional cleanliness, resembling water in appearance and odor, translates into significantly reduced soot and particulate matter production. This, in turn, contributes to extended truck engine lifespan and potential reductions in maintenance costs.
On the West Coast, a region at the forefront of environmental protection efforts, the majority of the U.S. renewable diesel market is concentrated. California’s influential Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), established in 2011, plays a pivotal role by alleviating financial burdens for renewable fuel producers. This support has enabled companies like Neste to compete favorably with petroleum diesel in the California market.
However, beyond the West Coast, most U.S. states have yet to implement substantial renewable diesel incentives. Despite this, Neste observes a rising voluntary demand for renewable diesel from various parts of the country, driven by businesses committed to ambitious sustainability goals. Notably, states like New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts are considering adopting programs akin to California’s LCFS, reflecting a broader trend towards cleaner fuel alternatives.
Fleet operators across diverse industries are increasingly turning to Neste MY Renewable Diesel, attracted by its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and immediate reductions in greenhouse gas and particulate matter emissions. As states nationwide consider similar environmental protection initiatives, renewable diesel emerges as an intuitive pathway to achieve cleaner transportation and address the urgent challenge of climate change.
Link to original article https://www.freightwaves.com/news/renewable-diesel-creates-pathway-to-cleaner-transportation-industry
