A recent webinar hosted by the Engine Technology Forum (ETF) explored innovative advancements in internal combustion (IC) engines, emphasizing the significance of renewable diesel, biodiesel, and fuel additives in decarbonization efforts.
“Today, the internal combustion engine is a vital component of several key sectors within our global economy, including agriculture, industrial applications, public transportation, rail, and trucking,” said Allen Schaeffer, ETF’s executive director. He underscored the importance of IC engines not only to the U.S. economy but also to its energy future, highlighting their improved efficiency, reduced emissions, and the essential role of sustainable fuels.
The webinar’s initial focus was on renewable fuels, led by Steve Howell, founding partner of Marc-IV (M4) consulting and chair of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) biodiesel task force. Howell emphasized the urgency of carbon reduction through the use of biomass-based diesel fuels, specifically renewable diesel and biodiesel.
Liquid Solar Energy
Howell explained that the biomass-based diesel industry was initially established to utilize excess soybean oil, shifting towards energy independence over time. Today, the primary driver is carbon reduction. “Biomass-based diesel crops absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere as they grow, and burning these fuels returns CO2 to the air,” he stated.
“This results in a net lifecycle carbon reduction of approximately 70 percent,” Howell added, noting that if all energy used in fuel production came from fossil sources, further decarbonization could push lifecycle CO2 emissions toward net zero. He described biomass-based diesel as “liquid solar energy,” where sunlight contributes to fuel production, storing energy in a fuel form rather than a battery.
The Urgency of Carbon Reduction
Howell stressed the pressing need to reduce CO2 emissions, highlighting the cumulative impact of carbon accumulation in the atmosphere. “The carbon released today contributes to future emissions; for every five-year delay in action, we must cut emissions by 13 times more to achieve the same climate impact,” he explained.
He emphasized that immediate CO2 reduction yields greater benefits compared to waiting for future technologies, contributing to the remarkable growth in biomass-based diesel fuel consumption. “The industry has seen significant growth in the past 15 years, especially in sustainable aviation fuel and renewable heating oil,” Howell noted. “In 2010, we produced around 200 million gallons of biomass-based fuels, whereas last year, production surpassed 4.5 billion gallons. Currently, the market in North America is nearly split between renewable diesel and biodiesel.”
Looking ahead, Howell envisions the industry producing over 6 billion gallons of biomass-based fuels by 2030, aiming for 15 billion gallons by 2050. “We currently have the capacity for an additional 1.8 billion gallons and are focusing on expanding yields from vegetable oils and processing used cooking oils,” he stated.
Additional Benefits of Biomass-Based Fuels
Howell also highlighted the benefits of biodiesel and renewable diesel beyond decarbonization, including reductions in particulate matter (PM) emissions. “The tailpipe emissions are significantly lower due to advanced aftertreatment systems, and we observe considerable reductions in engine-out particulate matter with B20 biodiesel, potentially decreasing the frequency of diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration,” he explained.
The lubricity of these fuels is another key advantage. “With the removal of sulfur from diesel fuel, both renewable and conventional diesel require lubricity additives, and biodiesel can fulfill that role. Increased lubricity reduces wear on engine components,” Howell noted, emphasizing the growing market for blended fuels.
Mary Dery, performance additives technical director at Innospec, echoed these benefits, stating, “The changes in lubricity and oxidation properties have led to reduced injector fouling and lower particulate emissions.”
The insights shared during the ETF webinar highlight the pivotal role that renewable diesel and biodiesel can play in creating a more sustainable future while enhancing engine performance and reducing environmental impact.
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