As the global push for sustainability intensifies, the focus on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has never been more urgent. One of the most promising solutions in the fight against climate change is renewable diesel (RD).
Unlike biodiesel, renewable diesel is produced using advanced technologies that involve adding hydrogen to the feedstocks, a process called hydroprocessing. Hydroprocessing involves treating oils with hydrogen at high temperatures to create cleaner, more refined fuels. This method results in a fuel that is chemically similar to fossil diesel, but with significantly lower environmental impacts.
This article explores how renewable diesel, particularly Neste’s cutting-edge technologies, can be used to reduce marine carbon intensity and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Understanding Renewable Diesel: A Sustainable Solution
Renewable diesel is a high-quality, clean-burning diesel alternative made from renewable feedstocks such as waste oils, fats, and plant-based materials.
Biodiesel is produced through a chemical process called transesterification, where oils or fats are turned into fuel. On the other hand, renewable diesel is created using a process known as hydrotreating, which removes oxygen and results in a product that is chemically identical to petroleum-based diesel.
This makes renewable diesel a direct substitute for fossil diesel, offering the same performance and fuel efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane, contribute to global warming.
Given the growing need for sustainable energy solutions across various sectors, the marine industry stands to benefit significantly from the adoption of renewable diesel, offering a cleaner and more efficient alternative to fossil fuels.
The Role of Renewable Diesel in Reducing Marine Carbon Intensity
The maritime industry is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for about 2-3% of total GHG emissions. As the world’s shipping fleet continues to grow, finding ways to decarbonize this vital sector is crucial for meeting international climate goals.
Renewable diesel has emerged as a key player in this transition, offering a viable solution for lowering marine carbon intensity.
Marine vessels, from commercial cargo ships to luxury yachts, are responsible for substantial emissions, particularly due to their reliance on heavy fuel oil (HFO), which has high sulfur and carbon content.
By switching to renewable diesel, the marine industry can reduce GHG emissions by up to 90%, significantly decreasing the environmental impact of shipping and maritime transport.
Environmental Advantages of Renewable Diesel
1. Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Reduction
One of the most significant environmental benefits of renewable diesel is its ability to reduce lifecycle GHG emissions. GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane, contribute to global warming. When compared to fossil diesel, renewable diesel achieves up to a 90% reduction in GHG emissions.
This reduction is primarily due to the sustainable nature of the feedstocks used, such as waste oils and fats, which would otherwise release methane if left to decompose.
2. Reduction in Harmful Pollutants
Renewable diesel also offers a cleaner alternative to fossil diesel in terms of harmful emissions. Unlike fossil diesel, renewable diesel contains no aromatics, which are known to emit toxic particulate matter (PM) when combusted. It also has ultra-low sulfur content, making it compliant with stringent global sulfur emission standards.
These characteristics help reduce air pollution in marine and coastal environments, improving local air quality and reducing the risk of acid rain.
3. Compatibility and Performance
Renewable diesel can be used seamlessly in existing diesel engines without the need for modifications, making it an ideal choice for industries looking to transition to more sustainable fuels.
Its energy content of 44 MJ/kg is comparable to that of fossil diesel, ensuring that vessels can achieve similar or better mileage without any performance degradation.
Furthermore, renewable diesel has a high cetane number, which means it ignites more easily, leading to smoother engine operation, better cold-start performance, and longer engine life.
Singapore’s Role in Renewable Diesel Adoption
Singapore has emerged as a regional hub for sustainable energy initiatives, including renewable diesel adoption. The country’s robust financial infrastructure, strategic location, and pro-sustainability policies have made it a prime location for clean energy investments, including the scaling of renewable diesel projects.
SEACEF’s Clean Energy Focus
The Southeast Asia Clean Energy Facility (SEACEF) plays a pivotal role in advancing renewable energy projects across Southeast Asia. SEACEF has made significant strides in renewable diesel, with a focus on innovative early-stage clean energy solutions.
By providing development-stage capital, SEACEF helps bridge the gap between proof-of-concept and commercial-scale deployment, ensuring that funds are deployed efficiently to create lasting environmental and economic impacts.
Case Studies: Singapore’s Adoption of Renewable Diesel
In Singapore, several notable organizations are leading the way in renewable diesel adoption. The Certis Group, for example, has implemented a pilot program using Esso’s renewable diesel R20 in its commercial fleet.
This transition has resulted in a 15.4% reduction in lifecycle GHG emissions, proving that renewable diesel is not only feasible but also economically viable for urban logistics. The program has also contributed to a significant reduction in harmful particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, improving air quality in the city. Additionally, the Certis Group has reported cost savings due to the higher energy content and efficiency of renewable diesel, demonstrating its potential for long-term operational savings.
Moreover, Singapore’s public transport system has embraced renewable diesel in a bid to improve urban air quality. Several public buses now run on renewable diesel, with emissions reductions reaching up to 20% for particulate matter and 15% for CO2 emissions compared to conventional diesel.
This initiative, supported by the government and local environmental policies, is not only contributing to cleaner air but also promoting sustainable urban mobility. The adoption of renewable diesel in buses has also led to a reduction in fuel costs, enhancing the overall sustainability and cost-effectiveness of public transport in the city.
How Neste’s Renewable Diesel is Revolutionizing the Marine Industry
Neste is one of the leading producers of renewable diesel globally, and its patented NEXBTL™ technology is a prime example of how innovative processes, involving the addition of hydrogen to feedstocks (known as hydroprocessing), can create high-quality, sustainable fuels.
Neste’s renewable diesel is derived from a variety of feedstocks, including waste and residues, and can be used in both transportation and marine applications.
1. Reducing Marine Carbon Intensity with Neste
Neste’s renewable diesel is making waves in the marine sector, helping to reduce carbon emissions in a traditionally hard-to-abate industry.
Switching to Neste’s renewable diesel helps marine operators significantly reduce carbon intensity. This makes it easier for them to meet global decarbonization goals, including the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulations. The Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) is a regulation by the International Maritime Organization that measures the amount of carbon dioxide emitted per unit of transport work.
2. Benefits for Yachts and Luxury Marine Applications
Renewable diesel benefits large commercial vessels and is gaining traction in the luxury yacht sector. Yachts, which often operate in pristine marine environments, must meet strict environmental regulations.
Yacht operators can reduce their environmental impact and maintain high performance by using renewable diesel. It is also a safer option in case of spills, as it is non-toxic and biodegradable. This aligns with the sustainability goals of many yacht manufacturers and operators.
The Future of Renewable Diesel in the Marine Industry
As global demand for sustainable energy grows, renewable diesel is becoming essential for decarbonizing the marine industry. Its benefits are clear: renewable diesel reduces lifecycle GHG emissions by up to 90%, improves air quality, and works with existing diesel engines. It is an ideal solution for everything from commercial shipping fleets to luxury yachts.
Investing in a Sustainable Marine Future
With the environmental and performance benefits that renewable diesel offers, it is clear that the marine industry has a significant opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint. Companies in Singapore and beyond are already adopting renewable diesel as part of their sustainability efforts, leading the way for others to follow.
Industries looking to stay ahead and support global decarbonization efforts should invest in renewable diesel. It offers immediate environmental benefits and helps companies meet future emissions regulations, ensuring long-term viability and compliance.
By adopting innovative technologies like Neste’s renewable diesel, the marine industry can play a pivotal role in creating a cleaner, more sustainable world. The future of marine energy is renewable, and the time to act is now. The marine industry must embrace renewable diesel today to secure a sustainable tomorrow and meet global decarbonization goals.
For more information on how renewable diesel can transform the marine industry, check out our other blogs here.