Feb 6 2013
The advancements and environmental benefits of clean diesel technology will be on display along with the latest innovations in biodiesel fuel as the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) will be participating in the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Conference and Expo from February 4th to 7th in Las Vegas.
"We're pleased to be joining the National Biodiesel Board and their members at this conference to expand our cooperative effort to advance clean diesel and high quality biodiesel fuel," said Ezra Finkin , DTF's Director of Policy and External Relations. In 2012, the National Biodiesel Board joined the DTF as an Allied Member.
"Clean diesel vehicle and equipment manufacturers and biodiesel producers share a future destiny – all which is linked to the diesel engine. Billions of dollars has been invested in research to advance diesel technology, meet customer demand and achieve EPA's near zero emissions standards. Biodiesel producers have made similar investments anticipating a future with expanded use of domestically produced biofuels in diesel engines of all kinds," Finkin said.
"Advancements in biodiesel refining and record production last year along with a great interest in second generation renewable fuels are all exciting topics at this gathering. There is no question that the use of high quality renewable biofuels will help assure that diesel can compete alongside natural gas, ethanol, or electricity. To be successful, however, we must work together to ensure that car and truck owners and all users of biodiesel fuels have a positive experience, within the manufacturers recommendations on fuel specifications.
"Assuring that biodiesel blends are consistent high-quality fuels at the pump at every location throughout the U.S. is a tall order, but one that is not out of reach, with the right attention and commitments," Finkin said. "Likewise, for states and regions that chose to advance the use of biofuels, a consistent approach would also be a significant step forward."
New Clean Diesel Technology Has Transformed Industry
"A complete transformation of diesel technology in the U.S. has taken place in the last decade that has virtually eliminated particulate (soot) emissions from new diesel engines across the board," Finkin said.
"For example, emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses have been reduced by 99 percent for nitrogen oxides and 98 percent for particulate emissions, which include black carbon."
Diesel Engines Were Originally Invented to Run on Vegetable Oils
The new generation of clean diesel technology, ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, cleaner engines and advanced emissions control technology, provides both environmental and economic benefits to the U.S. As policymakers look to promote cleaner, more fuel efficient technologies, its use will grow along with other competitive alternatives.
Diesel engines were originally invented to run on vegetable oils. Today, most diesel engines can run on high-quality manufacturer-recommended blends of biodiesel with little modification as well as next-generation, drop-in renewable diesel fuels which offer even further benefits. This flexibility of the diesel platform can further accelerate the introduction of these renewable diesel fuels across the economy.
2012 Biodiesel Production Breaks Record With 1.1 Billion Gallons
According to the National Biodiesel Board, last year the U.S. biodiesel industry set a new production record of nearly 1.1 billion gallons, which improved the nation's energy security while supporting more than 40,000 jobs across the country. Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats, biodiesel has been approved and designated as an 'Advanced Biofuel' under the Environmental Protection Agency's Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS-2) program. Biodiesel is produced in nearly every state in the country, and biodiesel blends meeting ASTM standards are used in existing diesel engines without modification.
Source: http://www.dieselforum.org