Australia's largest petrol retailer, Ampol, has unveiled plans for a two-month trial to produce renewable diesel for heavy trucks, signaling its commitment to sustainability and emissions reduction. The company will collaborate with construction firm Hanson Australia to produce biodiesel, with the intention of evaluating the feasibility of producing it at Ampol's Lytton refinery in the future. This initiative follows Ampol's recent announcement of its plans to establish hydrogen refueling stations in Australia as part of its efforts to reduce emissions in the heavy transport sector.

The renewable diesel produced in this trial will consist of a blend containing 20% renewable diesel and 80% ultra-low sulfur diesel. This move aligns with findings from the US Energy Department, which indicated that renewable diesel, typically derived from fats and oils, emits fewer carbon emissions compared to petroleum diesel.

Brent Merrick, Ampol's New Business Executive General Manager, emphasized that this trial reflects the company's commitment to emission reduction and acknowledges the evolving priorities of its customers in the transport energy sector. He described the renewable diesel trial as another significant step in Ampol's development of a renewable fuels business in Australia. Merrick also highlighted the appeal of renewable diesel, particularly in challenging sectors with "hard-to-abate" emissions, as it does not necessitate extensive infrastructure changes.

Hanson Australia, a major supplier of construction and building materials across the country, will be utilizing this biofuel in heavy trucks during the two-month trial. Their decision to participate in the trial is driven by a commitment to reducing transport-related pollution. Phil Schacht, Chief Executive of Hanson Australia, emphasized that the trial aligns with the company's broader mission to reduce carbon dioxide emissions throughout its supply chain. He underscored the importance of innovation in achieving their sustainability objectives.

Heavy-duty transport has increasingly become a focal point for environmental research and action due to the challenges associated with reducing emissions in this sector. Ampol's previous announcement in August, where it revealed plans to collaborate with OneH2 to establish refueling stations for hydrogen-powered trucks in Australia, exemplifies its commitment to exploring alternative clean energy sources for heavy transport. Additionally, BP has installed hydrogen refueling equipment at its Lytton service station, indicating the industry's growing interest in hydrogen as a sustainable fuel option.

It's worth noting that many battery-electric heavy truck alternatives have faced restrictions in Australia, primarily due to national regulations related to front axle weight. This has limited the deployment of low-emission trucks on Australian roads. Various organizations, including the Electric Vehicle Council, Australian Trucking Association, and Heavy Vehicle Industry Association, have called upon the federal government to revise these restrictions to facilitate the entry of more eco-friendly trucks into the local transportation sector.