Investing in Green Energy: Opportunities for Renewable Diesel | Booster

Originally published on Booster Insights

by priya

A recent study by the IEA found that spending on clean energy technology like renewable diesel is quickly rising compared to spending on fossil fuels. This shift is driven by the growing concern over the cost and safety of fossil fuels, particularly in light of the global energy crisis. The rise of renewable diesel, a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative, is a direct response to these concerns.

This decade will witness a rapid adoption of renewable fuels with low emissions, a crucial step in the decarbonization of the transportation sector. The road transportation industry, in particular, has significant room for improvement and still relies heavily on fuel-based methods for reducing carbon emissions. Renewable diesel offers a promising solution to this challenge.

The production of renewable fuel has a lot of possible synergies, especially when it comes to using renewable diesel. Low-emission renewable fuels can provide transportation with more ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

The latest World Energy Investment report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) reveals that the world spent about USD 2.8 trillion on energy in 2023. Of this amount, more than USD 1.7 trillion was invested in clean technologies, including heat pumps, electric vehicles, nuclear power, storage, grids, low-emission fuels, and efficiency improvements. This significant investment in clean technologies underscores the potential and importance of renewable diesel in the energy sector.

During the same period, investments in fossil fuels grew by 15%. On the other hand, investments in clean energy will increase by 24% each year between 2021 and 2023, led by renewable energy sources and electric cars. However, more than 90% of this rise is due to China and other advanced economies. This makes it more likely that new energy divides will appear worldwide if clean energy changes don’t catch on elsewhere.

A Shift to the Green Fuel: Renewable Fuels

The world needs to manage an equilibrium of affordable energy while transitioning from old fossil fuels to greener alternatives such as power, breeze, and hydrogen energies. By 2030 and 2050, the objective is to power more buildings, factories, and transportation systems using electrical power and eco-nice fuels.

For many days, oil and gas conglomerates have invested in green energy. In the 1980s, a leading oil firm started backing projects for windy and sunny energies. Forty years later, it shifted funds into a top European solar company. During the 2000s, another sizable oil company threw over $5 billion into renewable energies, adding electric vehicle charging spots with other energy services.

Several big companies in oil companies have set their sights on reaching zero emissions by 2050 by sinking heavily into green energy. These investments have shown mixed results, but the going towards cleaner energy continues brightly as folk demand better energy solutions and governments urge for less carbon emissions.

Oil and gas corporations stand to profit immensely from steering the move to greener energies!! They corner the expertise, infinite reach, financial backing, and built-up customer relations to handle large-scale projects in renewable energy and hydrogen products. This positions them fantastically to thrust significant contributions to the global sustainability push.

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Based on these points, oil and gas businesses can offer unique value in the four areas below of the energy transition:

1. Growth of the Remote Jobs:

Major oil and gas business players who have worked on many large-scale projects can plan and build integrated projects that produce heat, hydrogen, and renewable energy. In addition, some project bidders invest hydrogen and heat in their bids.

2. Preparing Hydrogen as a Renewable fuel:

Making hydrogen has been a part of oil and gas companies’ chemistry and refining processes for a long time. Also, because hydrogen and gases are chemically similar, we can use current storage and transportation systems for hydrogen production and transportation. One must carefully manage both gases under appropriate pressure, as they can catch fire.

3. Charging an Electric Vehicle

Some people in the value chain, like sellers, refiners, and producers, can offer fast charging for electric vehicles by using their names, customers, real estate, and petrol stations near roads and highways.

4. Strategies for Reducing Carbon Emissions:

Companies in the oil and gas industry are under a lot of pressure to reduce their carbon emissions. This forced them to develop technologies and solutions we can use in other fields. Companies that work with oil and gas can offer ways to reduce carbon emissions by using these technologies: energy storage, batteries, renewable energy output, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).

Understanding Renewable Diesel: Renewable Fuel in Transportation

First, we must describe renewable diesel and show how it differs from regular diesel. Oils from plants, animal fats, and greases are some non-petroleum sustainable resources that manufacturers use to make renewable diesel. Manufacturers use the hydrotreating process to produce renewable diesel, which removes impurities and makes something chemically similar to petroleum fuel.

Why is Renewable Diesel so Important?

Renewable diesel is gaining significant attention and importance in pushing sustainable energy solutions. Here’s why:

• Eco-Friendly 
  Renewable diesel is a game-changer in the quest for sustainable energy solutions. It significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to regular diesel, making a substantial impact on carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. For instance, California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard Certified Carbon Intensities indicate that renewable diesel has an average of 65% lower carbon intensity than petroleum-based diesel. This environmental benefit should inspire and motivate us all to contribute to a greener future. 
   
• Better Combustion 
  Renewable diesel functions similarly to regular diesel but boasts better combustion properties. This results in superior engine performance and efficiency, making it a highly effective fuel option for various applications. 
   
• Versatility 
  One of the most compelling aspects of renewable diesel is its seamless integration into existing systems. It can be used in standard diesel engines without any modifications, making it a straightforward replacement for traditional diesel. This ease of adoption and compatibility with existing infrastructure should reassure and instill confidence in its potential as a viable alternative to traditional diesel. 
   
• Compatibility with Existing Engines and Infrastructure 
  Renewable diesel meets the ASTM D975 standard for regular petroleum diesel, ensuring it is fully compatible with existing diesel engines and infrastructure. This compatibility facilitates easy integration into current fuel systems, minimizing the need for costly upgrades or replacements. 
   
• Reduced Pollution 
  Studies by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have shown that renewable diesel emits less carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide than petroleum fuel. This reduction in pollutants contributes significantly to cleaner air and a healthier environment. According to California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard Certified Carbon Intensities, green diesel has an average of 65% lower carbon intensity than diesel made from petroleum. 
   
• Flexibility in Usage 
  Renewable diesel offers remarkable flexibility. It can be blended with any proportion of conventional diesel or used as a complete substitute. Additionally, sites producing renewable diesel can manufacture sustainable aviation fuel using various feedstocks, adding to its versatility. 
   
• Helping Industries Reduce Their Carbon Footprint 
  By adopting renewable diesel, industries can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. This transition is environmentally responsible and aligns with global sustainability goals. Many sectors now leverage renewable diesel to meet emissions targets and enhance their sustainability profiles. 
   
• Contributing to the 2050 Goal 
  Renewable diesel is crucial in helping achieve long-term climate goals, such as the 2050 net-zero emissions target. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, renewable diesel supports global efforts to mitigate climate change and promotes a more sustainable future.

The Advancement of Renewable Diesel in the USA

• Growing Infrastructure 
  Across the United States, renewable diesel production and distribution infrastructure is expanding. Companies are converting old refineries into renewable diesel plants; others are building new facilities. This expansion is not just about producing more fuel; it’s about developing an integrated system to make renewable diesel available nationwide. 
   
• Legislative Support 
  Renewable diesel enjoys robust support from federal and state governments, manifested through incentives and regulations. For instance, California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) encourages the adoption of cleaner fuels through credits and financial incentives. Similarly, the Renewable Fuel Standard at the federal level mandates a specific volume of renewable fuel to replace or reduce traditional petroleum fuels.

The Impact on Industries and Consumers

• Commercial Fleets 
  One of the primary drivers behind the adoption of renewable diesel in the USA is its use in commercial and public transportation fleets. Companies and city fleets are switching to renewable diesel to reduce emissions and meet regulatory requirements. These fleets are crucial in demonstrating the fuel’s effectiveness and encouraging wider use by showing real-world benefits. 
   
• Everyday Consumers 
  For everyday drivers, the switch to renewable diesel is almost seamless. You can pour it into your existing diesel vehicle without any adjustments. This ease of transition holds significant promise for broad consumer adoption, eliminating the usual resistance to changing technology or fuel types.

Overcoming Challenges and Fostering Growth

• Supply and Demand 
  While demand is growing, ensuring a consistent and adequate supply of renewable diesel is crucial. This entails enhancing agricultural practices for raw materials and improving technological aspects of production to make the process more efficient and scalable. 
   
• Public Awareness and Education 
  Increasing public awareness and education is pivotal to truly integrating renewable diesel into the American lifestyle. Most people still need to learn what renewable diesel is and its benefits. Bridging this knowledge gap is essential for boosting consumer confidence and fostering an informed community ready to make environmentally conscious decisions.

Why Should You Choose Booster?

Using Booster for renewable diesel delivery in the USA offers several compelling advantages that align with the growing emphasis on sustainability and efficiency in transportation. Here are key reasons why organizations should consider adopting Booster’s services for their renewable diesel needs:

1. Direct-to-Vehicle Delivery

Booster’s unique energy-agnostic supply chain allows for direct delivery of renewable diesel to vehicles, significantly reducing the need for new infrastructure. This lowers upfront costs associated with building gas stations and simplifies the transition for fleets looking to switch to cleaner fuel alternatives.

2. Energy Transition Simplified

Booster acts as a bridge in the energy transition process. By offering renewable diesel alongside traditional fuels, Booster provides flexibility and convenience, enabling companies to adapt gradually without significant disruptions. This approach is particularly beneficial in a market where infrastructure for renewable energy is still developing.

3. Enhanced Sustainability Without Performance Sacrifice

Booster offers renewable diesel, a next-generation fuel that satisfies sustainability objectives without compromising efficiency or raising prices. This makes it an attractive option for organizations aiming to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining operational efficiency.

4. Comprehensive Energy Solutions

Beyond fuel delivery, Booster offers a full suite of services to support the use of renewable diesel. This includes free fuel analysis, energy consultations, and infrastructure assessments—services designed to ensure a smooth transition and optimal integration of renewable fuels into existing operations.

5. Scalability and Flexibility

Booster’s mobile fuel delivery service is designed to cater to many fleet sizes and types, including those with specific energy requirements. Whether a small local fleet or a large national operation, Booster’s scalable solution can meet diverse needs without the typical constraints of fixed-location fueling stations.

6. Supporting Regulatory Compliance

With increasing regulations to reduce carbon emissions, using renewable diesel can help fleets comply with such mandates more effectively. Booster’s renewable diesel options are aligned with governmental incentives and can assist companies in meeting or exceeding environmental standards.

7. Nationwide Expansion

As Booster’s network expands across the country, the availability of its services grows, making it easier for more fleets to access renewable diesel wherever they operate. This nationwide reach is critical for businesses with operations in multiple states.

8. Real-Time Supply and Demand Matching

Booster’s innovative approach to matching supply with demand in real-time ensures that fleets can access renewable diesel when and where they need it. This efficiency improves operations and enhances fuel usage monitoring and management.

Choosing Booster for renewable diesel delivery in the USA provides a seamless, efficient, and sustainable solution for fleets ready to transition towards cleaner energy sources. This approach supports environmental goals, reduces reliance on traditional fuel infrastructure, and offers a practical pathway toward a more sustainable future in transportation.

Conclusion

The transition to renewable diesel in the USA is not just a trend but a significant shift towards sustainable energy consumption. It represents a practical solution that balances ecological concerns with economic needs and performance expectations. As this fuel continues to pave its way across the nation, its role in shaping a green future becomes increasingly evident.

Whether you are an industry decision-maker, a fleet manager, or just someone interested in sustainable living, renewable diesel offers a viable and compelling option. It’s up to all of us to support this green movement, reduce our carbon footprint, and drive towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. Ready to be part of this change?

Now is the time to embrace renewable diesel, a critical player in America’s green energy playbook. Let’s not just imagine a sustainable future; let’s fuel it.

FAQs

1. What is renewable diesel?

Renewable diesel is a clean fuel from natural sources like plants or animal fats instead of crude oil. It’s similar to regular diesel but comes from renewable resources, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.

2. Can I use renewable diesel in my diesel engine?

Yes, you can. Renewable diesel is designed to work in any diesel engine without modifications. It’s a straightforward swap from traditional diesel and operates just as efficiently.

3. Why is renewable diesel good for the environment?

It’s mainly because it emits fewer pollutants than traditional diesel. Using renewable diesel reduces the output of greenhouse gases and other harmful emissions, which helps combat air pollution and climate change.