FAQs
Answers to your questions about Renewable Diesel
How exactly is Renewable Diesel better for the environment?
The environmentally benign feedstock (wood waste) used to produce RD enables the fuel to have a carbon intensity that is 97% lower than fossil fuel. RD also reduces:
- Particulate matter by 33%
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) by 9%
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) by 24%
- Hydrocarbons (HC) by 30%
The favourable qualities and combustion characteristics of RD such as high cetane value and very low aromatics content help RD combust more completely than petroleum diesel.
Why should I switch to Renewable Diesel?
A report published by Gladstein, Neandross & Associates in 2017 about the use of Renewable Diesel in California says:
“Renewable diesel (RD) is doing its part to help ensure that heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) with diesel engines can achieve the level of environmental performance needed to perpetuate their sales well into the 21st century. Any on-road HDV fuel-engine platform that will be sold in California beyond the 2030 timeframe will likely be required by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to 1) achieve (at a minimum) near-zero-emissions of key air pollutants (especially oxides of nitrogen, or “NOx”), and 2) use a low-carbon-intensity renewable fuel” (Gladstein, Neandross & Associates, 2017).
The goal to achieve near-zero emissions of key air pollutants and the use of low-carbon-intensity renewable fuels is very likely for Canada.
What is the difference between Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel?
While Biodiesel and Renewable diesel are both produced from renewable feedstocks, they are notably different.
Renewable Diesel is chemically similar to petroleum diesel, allowing it to be a ‘drop-in’ fuel.
Biodiesel is not typically a ‘drop-in’ fuel and has to be mixed with petroleum diesel for use.
They are produced through very different processes and have different fuel specifications.
Is all Renewable Diesel made from tree waste?
No, all Renewable Diesel is made from Renewable Feedstocks, whether it be vegetable oils, fats, or waste cooking oils. eco-Options Renewal Diesel uses forestry wood waste because it is a underused local resource that is available in abundance. Using forestry wood waste not only is putting disposed product to excellent use, it also helps to mitigate the severity of wildfires, creates jobs and new economic opportunities that benefit local communities and First Nations, and offers commercial truckers a drop-in fuel that can help them save money and contribute to a cleaner environment.