Biodiesel vs Renewable Diesel.

Some environmentally conscious diesel purchasers have been confused about the differences between biodiesel and renewable diesel, so I asked Steve Wilkinson, the Managing Director of GreenTECH Fuel, to present the facts. Here is what Steve said.

JOHN

Steve, what are the main differences between biodiesel and renewable diesel?

STEVE

There are several differences between biodiesel and renewable diesel, including production processes, chemical composition, engine performance, cold-weather performance, and emissions.

Renewable diesel is considered a superior product, despite its slightly higher cost.

JOHN

So, what are the differences in terms of the production process and chemical composition?

STEVE

Whilst traditional biodiesels and renewable diesel come from the same feedstock, their manufacturing processes differ.

Biodiesel is a fatty acid methyl ester - FAME, produced by the transesterification, where vegetable oils or animal fats react with methanol (or ethanol) in the presence of a catalyst to form biodiesel and glycerin.

Renewable Diesel is a hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), produced by hydrotreating. This process uses hydrogen to remove oxygen from fats/oils, resulting in a diesel with a chemical structure similar to that of a standard mineral diesel, enabling it to be used as a 100% drop-in replacement.

Both are more environmentally friendly than mineral diesel, with HVO100 making a greater contribution to emissions reductions than biodiesel.

JOHN

What about in terms of engine capability and cold-weather performance?

STEVE

Biodiesel is used as a blended product with mineral diesel and most commonly as B5 or B7 (5% & 7%).  However, blends of B20 (20%) or greater, or B100 (pure biodiesel), may require the user to check with vehicle manufacturers regarding compatibility and warranty implications, or to consider engine modifications, as they may not be compatible with all diesel engines.

Renewable diesel is a ‘drop-in fuel’ that can be used 100% in any diesel engine without modification. Fully compatible with current diesel infrastructure.

Renewable diesel is much easier to use as it can be used as a standalone fuel without even cleaning the tank after using mineral diesel.

In addition, biodiesel generally has poorer cold-flow properties than diesel; it can gel at low temperatures, while renewable diesel performs well in cold weather, similar to or better than mineral diesel.

JOHN

And what about the environment and emissions?

STEVE

Both fuels reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to mineral diesel. Biodiesel reduces CO2, particulate matter, and unburned hydrocarbons, but may increase NOx emissions.

Renewable diesel, on the other hand, offers more complete combustion, reducing CO2, NOx, and particulates across the board. HVO100 is at least 95% carbon-neutral and delivers reductions in reportable scope one and scope three emissions.

If you want to maximise the reduction in NOx and, indeed, CO2-e, renewable diesel is the best option.

JOHN

So, you recommend renewable diesel over biodiesel?

STEVE

Yes. They both have their place, but the advantages of renewable diesel in terms of being a drop-in diesel, maximising cold weather performance and supporting the environment, make renewable diesel, to my mind, the better option and supported by OEMs.  

JOHN

Thanks, Steve.

STEVE

All good. If anyone wants to know more, call me on 0481 055 383 or email steve@greentechfuel.com.au 

For more information, call Steve Wilkinson on 0481 055 383 or email steve@greentechfuel.com.au 

Our website address is - www.greentechfuel.com.au