Renewable Diesel

Renewable diesel (also referred to a hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), or green diesel) uses the same feedstocks as biodiesel, but different production processes. It is a chemically identical fuel to Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) that can be used interchangeably with diesel as an alternative in current diesel engines, or as a blend with diesel. Renewable diesel is a fairly recent technology and the supply chain is still developing, especially in Australia.

How it works

  • Renewable diesel works the same way as mineral or petroleum diesel in the vehicles.
  • Chemically identical to diesel, so it can be used in any diesel engine without modification.
  • Renewable diesel can be made via a number of different production methods, but the most common commercial method is hydrotreating, where the feedstock is reacted with hydrogen under high temperatures and pressures.

Operational implications:

  • Depending on the feedstock used, renewable diesel can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 60-80% per unit of energy, and tailpipe emissions by around 4%.
  • The variations in overall emissions reduction are associated with the type of feedstocks, the on-farm practices, production process and energy source, and the distribution network.
  • Renewable diesel could present an opportunity to farms for contribution to renewable diesel production from additional crops or waste.
  • Although there is a growing number of biorefineries proposed, particularly in Western Australia, there are still significant challenges to renewable diesel production or supply in Australia

Typical use case:

Heavy duty vehicles and machinery

Further resources:

  1. Battle Of The Biofuels: Renewable Diesel Vs. Biodiesel, JSUPRA
  2. Renewable diesel, Alternative Fuels Data Center
  3. Renewable Low Carbon Fuels Boost the Future for Diesel
  4. NREL, Economy and Emissions Impacts from Solazyme Fuel in UPS Delivery Vehicles
  5. Renewable Diesel Factsheet, Government of Western Australia