What Is Green Diesel?

Green diesel is a 2nd generation paraffinic renewable diesel fuel that complies with BS EN 15950 specification and is made from waste oils, fats, and residues.

The fuel is made from biomass using a high-pressure reaction with hydrogen and results in a highly consistent synthetic product with no oxygen and a very low sulphur content and aromatics. Lubricity additive is included to compensate for the lack of sulphur-induced lubrication in this low emissions diesel fuel.

Background

Pioneered by the Finnish oil company Neste, green diesel is now produced by Phillips 66, Valero Corporation, Eni, and Total among others in the UK, USA, Netherlands, Singapore, France, and Italy. It is also known as renewable diesel, XTL diesel, or HVO fuel (hydrotreated vegetable oil).

The term ‘green’ in green diesel fuel refers to the fact that it is made from waste and has thus already performed a carbon cycle. This means that a net greenhouse gas emissions reduction of over 80% is achieved and as all diesel engines are compatible with HVO, it is a practical way to decarbonise fleets on the journey to net zero.

Pros And Cons

Green diesel offers a cleaner burn than mineral fossil diesel with some reporting PM emissions reduction of 40 to 80% (Source: MTU) and while a small reduction in fuel economy can result, it can be viewed as superior for reducing both NOx gases and the exhaust fluid (AdBlue) usage. 

Air pollution from diesel vehicles is a key concern in the growing number of clean air zones in UK cities and green diesel (also known as hydrotreated vegetabe oil)greatly reduces particulate matter from combustion.

If you would like to know more about this fuel, we have set out some common questions and answers on this sheet that can be downloaded here or please get in touch on: oil@lubiq.uk