The Engine Technology Forum (ETF) has unveiled an insightful white paper titled "Benefits of Renewable Bio-Based Diesel Fuels," providing an extensive examination of the production, consumption, potential for growth, and volume outlook for alternative fuels such as biodiesel and renewable diesel.

These alternative fuels, including RD and blends like B20-R80 and B50-R50, have garnered approval from manufacturers for a wide range of diesel-powered engines, machinery, equipment, and vehicles. Their efficacy in reducing air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and greenhouse gas emissions, has been demonstrated effectively. This environmentally friendly approach holds great promise in the quest to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance air quality.

Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the ETF, emphasizes the significant role of low-carbon fuels like renewable diesel and biodiesel in the ongoing efforts to mitigate carbon emissions. These low-carbon fuels have immediate applicability across a vast spectrum of diesel engines, tractors, machines, and backup electric power generators deployed in various sectors worldwide. Their widespread adoption is pivotal to making a substantial impact on carbon reduction targets.

The white paper, developed by Transport Energy Services, an expert consultancy specializing in global transport energy issues, reveals an impressive surge in RD supply. Furthermore, the white paper envisions the U.S. production capacity for RD surging to almost 6 billion gallons annually by the close of 2025. This notable growth can be largely attributed to the demand generated by state low-carbon fuel program requirements, underscoring the increasing recognition and importance of alternative fuels in the broader energy landscape.

One notable area where bio-based diesel fuels have gained traction is in backup generator applications, catering to the needs of critical facilities such as data centers, hospitals, and military installations. These entities are turning to renewable diesel as a strategy to preserve their existing generator sets while addressing new decarbonization imperatives.

The white paper underscores the fact that, in the face of the growing need for continuous electricity supply, utilities, governments, and businesses have maintained a reliance on diesel generators as their preferred backup power option. This choice stems from the impressive attributes of diesel generators, which encompass power-density, full electrical load handling, swift response time, reliability, and self-contained fueling supplies. By expanding the usage of renewable diesel in backup diesel power systems and microgrid applications, these entities can make significant strides toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with state and federal decarbonization objectives.

Allen Schaeffer articulates the urgency of this situation, emphasizing that the challenges and uncertainties confronting the electric power system today are unparalleled. This includes the necessity for transmission line upgrades, an escalating frequency of natural disasters and weather-related events, and a heightened reliance on electricity, especially as the transition to intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar gains momentum. Ensuring the continuous supply of electricity to communities and businesses has taken on greater significance than ever before.