Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel, SAF, and Maritime Renewable Fuels: A Sustainable Future for Transportation

As we race toward a greener future, renewable fuels have become vital players in decarbonizing the transportation sector which contributes 33% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Biodiesel, renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and maritime renewable fuels have each carved a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability. What follows is a review of each of these fuels, their unique characteristics, and the role they play in decarbonizing transportation.

Biodiesel: A Renewable Alternative

Biodiesel, a renewable fuel derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, is a versatile alternative to conventional diesel. It can be blended with petroleum diesel in various proportions, and most diesel engines can run on biodiesel blends without modifications. Biodiesel offers several advantages:

• Reduced Emissions: Biodiesel significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions 75%, particulate matter, and other pollutants compared to petroleum diesel.
• Renewable Resource: It is derived from renewable resources, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and promoting sustainability.
• Domestic Production: Biodiesel production supports domestic agriculture and creates jobs within the local economy.

One difficulty with biodiesel is sourcing the feedstock from which to make biodiesel and the environmental impact of that feedstock. Used cooking oil is a great feedstock with a low carbon intensity but palm oil and the resulting deforestation it produces is problematic.

Renewable Diesel: A Drop-in Replacement

Renewable diesel, produced from feedstocks similar to biodiesel, undergoes a different production process, resulting in a fuel that is chemically identical to petroleum diesel. This “drop-in” fuel can be used in any diesel engine without blending or modifications. Renewable diesel offers similar advantages to biodiesel but with some key distinctions:

• Higher Cetane Number: Renewable diesel has a higher cetane number than biodiesel, improving engine performance and efficiency. Cetane is a measure of the quality and efficiency of the burning of the fuel.
• Lower Cloud Point: It has a lower cloud point, making it suitable for colder climates.
• Longer Shelf Life: Renewable diesel has a longer shelf life than biodiesel, ensuring fuel stability and quality.

Renewable Diesel faces similar issues to Biodiesel in sourcing its feedstocks.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Powering Greener Skies

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a renewable jet fuel produced from sustainable feedstocks like used cooking oil, algae, or agricultural waste. SAF is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation, a sector that is challenging to decarbonize. Key benefits of SAF include:

• Lower Carbon Footprint: SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
• Drop-in Capability: It is fully compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure, requiring no modifications.
• Growing Adoption: Airlines and governments are increasingly investing in SAF, making it a crucial part of the aviation industry’s sustainability efforts.

Airlines are starting to use SAF commercially but face supply constraints in reaching their decarbonization goals.

Maritime Renewable Fuels: Navigating Towards a Cleaner Future

The maritime industry is also exploring renewable fuels to reduce its environmental impact. Maritime renewable fuels include biodiesel, renewable diesel, and other emerging options like hydrogen and ammonia. These fuels offer several advantages for the shipping sector:

• Reduced Emissions: They can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sulfur oxides, and other pollutants from ships.
• Compliance with Regulations: Renewable fuels can help shipping companies comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.
• Sustainable Shipping: They contribute to the development of a more sustainable and environmentally friendly shipping industry.

There are a host of unique issues faced by maritime renewable fuels such as supply chain issues, fuel spills and international laws.

The Role of Used Cooking Oil Collection in Sustainable Fueling

The collection and recycling of used cooking oil (UCO) play a vital role in the production of renewable diesel and SAF. UCO is a valuable feedstock for these fuels, diverting waste from landfills and reducing the need for virgin feedstocks. Businesses that collect and recycle UCO contribute to:

• Circular Economy: They support the circular economy by transforming highly polluting waste into valuable resources.
• Greenhouse Gas Reduction: They help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing sustainable feedstocks for renewable fuel production.
• Local Economic Development: They create jobs and support local businesses involved in UCO collection and processing.

Biodiesel, renewable diesel, SAF, and maritime renewable fuels represent a promising path towards a sustainable future for transportation. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable resources, and supporting domestic industries, these fuels are key to achieving a cleaner and greener world. The collection and recycling of used cooking oil further contribute to this sustainable ecosystem, making it a crucial part of the renewable fuel landscape.

 The continued development and adoption of renewable fuels, coupled with innovative approaches like UCO recycling, will be essential in achieving a truly sustainable transportation sector. By choosing renewable fuels and supporting businesses that collect and recycle UCO, we can all play a part in shaping a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.