In November, 2024, the CT Clean Cities Collaborative hosted a roundtable discussion on renewable diesel. Renewable diesel is a drop-in replacement for traditional diesel, offering fleet operators an opportunity to cut carbon emissions by as much as 50%, with minimal operational changes.
For those who couldn’t attend, you can watch the full recording here.
John Blair, President of the Motor Transport Association of Connecticut (MTAC) [3:05], opened the discussion by emphasizing that renewable diesel is user-friendly for fleet operators, citing Tilcon as one of the larger fleets in Connecticut already using the fuel without noticing operational differences. He highlighted the importance of creating a cost-competitive environment for renewable diesel, ensuring it does not impose undue strain on small businesses.
Richard Battersby, Public Works Director for Oakland, CA [6:30], shared his city’s success story. Oakland’s public works fleet primarily uses renewable diesel, reaping significant benefits:
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Lower particulate matter and NOx emissions
- A closed-loop system utilizing city-generated waste to produce fuel
California’s Low-Carbon Fuel Standard, makes renewable diesel both cheaper and cleaner for the city to utilize. Using renewable diesel, Richard is able to hit the emission targets established by the state and convert otherwise useless waste material into fuel for his heavy duty vehicles.
Representatives from East River Energy [20:00] and Global Partners [24:45] highlighted the early steps being taken in Connecticut.
East River Energy supplies renewable diesel to Yale University’s Science Hill construction project.
Global Partners is expanding availability, recently leasing a tanker in East Haven to bring more renewable diesel supply to the region.
Both companies expressed optimism about scaling up efforts and growing adoption in the state.
The roundtable concluded with an Q&A session. A representative from Noble Gas inquired about bringing renewable diesel to retail pumps. While an at pump retail offering isn’t available yet, both East River and Global Partners can establish pilot programs with interested businesses. This is just one of many available cleaner alternatives to diesel, and having supply available in our state will make for a cleaner, more sustainable transportation sector.
Image courtesy of Skanska