What is Hydrogenation-Derived Renewable Diesel (HDRD)

Wow, that’s a mouthful, but what is it? Hydrogenation-derived renewable diesel (HDRD) is the process of using fats or vegetable oils, alone or combined with petroleum, to replace or complement diesel fuel. HDRD is refined in oil refineries and provide about the same fuel energy levels as diesel fuel. Scientists believe that the same refining process can produce gasoline but it’s in the early stages of research and development.

Manufacturers in the United States, Finland, Brazil and Italy are developing HDRD refining processes to make it a commercially viable alternative fuel. In fact, testing trials are currently underway.

Based on the research so far on HDRD, it is believed that this unproven technology can used in diesel engines alone or with a diesel blend without modification to diesel engines.

Benefits of Hydrogenation-Derived Renewable Diesel (HDRD)

In general, the benefits of HDRD are it will reduce carbon emissions, it’s compatible with infrastructure and can be even be used directly in diesel engines. A list of all the benefits are:

1. It can be produced right here in the United States from feedstocks such as soybean oil
2. It will create U.S. Jobs
3. It will reduce greenhouse emissions because the carbon dioxide captured during the processing of the feedstock balances the carbon dioxide emissions when it is burned
4. It can be used directly in diesel-powered cars today
5. It’s compatible with the fuel infrastructure as is - no modifications are required
6. It can be distributed via gas stations
7. It’s energy is almost equal that of diesel
8. It has a very low sulfur content which maybe able to use emission control devices

Conclusion

Although this alternative fuel source is still in R&D (research and development). Experts believe that Hydrogenation-Derived Renewable Diesel will be available in the near future. It’s affect on the environment will undoubtedly will help reduce carbon emissions and help save the planet for our children.

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 27th, 2008 at 6:30 am and is filed under Alternative Fuels. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.