Why renewable diesel is the superior alternative
What is renewable diesel? It is a cleaner-burning alternative to petroleum fuels that can reduce carbon emissions by up to 85 percent per gallon. It is often confused with biodiesel but is a different and superior solution. While both are derived from renewable resources, primarily fats, oils and greases, they differ in the way they are processed. Biofuel is an add-in fuel that is blended in with petroleum fuels, while renewable diesel is processed more similarly to petroleum diesel and mirrors its makeup closely. In fact, it is chemically indistinguishable from conventional petroleum-based diesel and is suitable for use in diesel engines on its own. However, federal rules for diesel alternatives dictate that a minimum of 1% of any blend must be petroleum diesel, so a blend of 99% renewable diesel and 1% petrodiesel has become the norm. It is commonly referred to as R99.
All of that, coupled with the fact it burns cleaner than biofuel, makes renewable diesel is the world’s greenest fuel and it is the future of the commercial trucking industry.
Produced en masse and readily available
The top benefit is the fact that renewable diesel is widely available and can be produced en masse right here in the United States. This is possible largely because used cooking oil from fryers in commercial kitchens -- along with soybean oil, corn oil, animal fats and other feedstock -- can be repurposed toward the production of renewable diesel. It is also compatible with the existing transportation infrastructure, meaning there is no need for costly investments in new engines and other equipment within the transportation industry. Biodiesel cannot be relied on in the same way because of its tendency to freeze at higher temperatures than renewable diesel. Because of this, biodiesel can affect how a truck’s engine operates in colder temperatures.
The most significant impact renewable diesel is currently making is that it provides a reliable carbon reduction solution that no other technology can offer for heavy-duty trucks on the road.
As previously mentioned, it can be produced in mass quantities and Darling is a significant factor in this. We began producing renewable diesel at our Diamond Green Diesel facility outside of New Orleans, Louisiana in 2013. What began as a 136-million-gallon operation annually is now set to produce 675 million gallons of fuel this year.
Last year alone, the low-emitting fuel we produced helped take the equivalent of 470,000 cars off the road.
We want to go even further in the impact we are making and are in the process of expanding our operations with the construction of an additional facility in Port Arthur, Texas. Once it’s built and operating at full capacity, it will add another 400 million gallons of fuel to our annual production. Our fuel is available globally and can be transported in a variety of ways.
Easy to distribute and keeps you compliant
Renewable diesel is easy to transport and can be distributed through the same existing infrastructure in which petroleum diesel is moved throughout the country via pipelines. With this solution, the mass transportation and distribution channels already exist.
This solution also plays a role in keeping companies compliant with regards to local and national ordinances. Federal and state governments are coaxing corporations to move away from fossil fuels in an effort to combat climate change and are using legislation as their vehicle to accomplish this. More states are passing low carbon and renewable fuel standards that not only deter companies from using petroleum fuel, but also punish them for the pollution they produce. A readily available alternative is needed, and renewable diesel is a win for both sides. An abundant and easily accessible supply will help companies remain compliant while simultaneously helping the legislation have an impact.
The impact renewable diesel makes is vital toward a healthier planet and a more sustainable future. It helps reduce carbon emissions, it is available and ready to use now, it needs no additional avenue for transportation and is the most compatible alternative with automotive engines. Darling is making a 1.1-billion-gallon contribution toward the production of renewable diesel and helping solidify it as the next generation’s fuel.
DAR PRO Solutions waste recycling services lays the foundation for our renewable diesel production. Reach out to a DAR PRO representative today and find out how your business can contribute in producing the next generation of fuel. Call us 24/7/365 at 855-DAR-PRO1 (855-327-7761).
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5/6/2021