German car giant BMW has announced a collaboration with Neste, a global leader in renewable fuels, to utilize Neste MY Renewable Diesel for the initial fueling of their newly produced diesel vehicles in Germany. This move signifies a significant step towards sustainable mobility for BMW and highlights the potential of renewable diesel in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The agreement will see Neste's renewable diesel being used in BMW's plants across Munich, Dingolfing, Leipzig, and Regensburg. This translates to over half of the global production volume of BMW's diesel vehicles receiving an initial fill of the sustainable fuel. Deliveries of Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ have already begun at these individual plants.

This collaboration comes alongside BMW's recent expansion of renewable diesel approval (also known as HVO100) for a broader range of its car models. While inherently compatible with all diesel engines, the official BMW approval provides additional assurance to drivers regarding questions of liability and performance.

"We are grateful for BMW's trust in us, and we are looking forward to this cooperation," says Joerg Huebeler, Head of Market Development EU & APAC, Transport & Industry at Neste. He emphasizes the crucial role renewable diesel plays in the global transition towards sustainable mobility. "The first filling of BMW cars in Germany with Neste's renewable diesel allows customers to experience firsthand that significant GHG emission reductions are possible without any impact on the vehicle performance."

This partnership isn't the first between the two companies. In 2023, Neste supplied renewable diesel for a year-long test in the logistics operations surrounding the BMW plant in Munich, further demonstrating the viability of this sustainable fuel alternative.

The recent shift is also facilitated by a change in German law during spring 2024, permitting the free sale of renewable diesel within the country.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a game-changer, boasting production from 100% renewable raw materials, primarily consisting of waste and residue oils and fats. Utilizing this fuel can achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 90% over the life cycle compared to fossil diesel, depending on the specific regional regulations governing calculation methodologies.

Neste highlights its commitment to sustainability through various initiatives. The company aims to help its customers reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 million tons by 2030. Additionally, they aim to make their Porvoo oil refinery in Finland the most sustainable in Europe and achieve carbon-neutral production by 2035. Furthermore, Neste has set ambitious targets for biodiversity, human rights, and responsible supply chain management.