Factsheet

Factsheet: Renewable Diesel

Renewable Diesel (RD) / HVO Renewable diesel (RD, also known as HVO) is a drop-in non-petroleum fuel that can be used without modifications in any diesel engine including production trucks and generators. RD can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of your production and reduce air pollution on set, including particulate matter. Exhaust from diesel vehicles contains large amounts of particulate matter leading to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths throughout the world each year. Additionally, a Harvard study found that a small increase in long-term exposure to particulate matter, often associated with diesel exhaust, led to an 8% increase in COVID-19 death rates.

What is renewable diesel?

Renewable diesel is a paraffinic fuel made from renewable feedstocks. The most common method of producing RD is called “hydrotreating,” by which feedstocks such as vegetable oils or animal fats are reacted with hydrogen.

Renewable diesel is NOT Biodiesel.

Renewable diesel is a biofuel, but it is important to distinguish it from biodiesel. Although both fuels may share similar feedstocks, the end products are very different. RD is processed into a hydrocarbon whereas biodiesel is an ester. RD does not have issues with bacteria growth, cold temperatures, or increased maintenance as may be experienced with biodiesel.

What are the environmental benefits?

Life cycle carbon emissions (from the entire production process) are about 70% less than fossil-based diesel.3 This reduction is largely due to feedstocks being mostly plant and animal waste products rather than crude oil. Tailpipe CO2 emissions are only slightly lower for renewable diesel, but particulate matter can be reduced by one-third, when used in engines that are not equipped with particulate filter (DPF) technology. Other emissions benefits include reductions in the release of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).

What equipment can use renewable diesel?

Renewable diesel meets ASTM D975 standards, the same standard for fossil-based diesel, and is safe to use in diesel engines powering trucks and generators without any modifications to the engine. It has been used in vehicles and generators by major studios in Los Angeles and is the primary diesel fuel for the city operations of Oakland, Long Beach, and Beverly Hills, as well as other cities and companies in California.

Can you blend renewable diesel with standard diesel?

Yes, renewable diesel is so chemically similar to fossil diesel that it can be used interchangeably. It is considered a drop-in fuel and is safe to use in diesel vehicles or generators at any ratio. Renewable diesel has an energy content 3-4% lower than standard diesel so the same volume provides slightly less energy. Compared to diesel, RD has a significantly higher cetane number and lower cloud point, which allows it to combust more easily and withstand colder temperatures.

Where is renewable diesel available?

Renewable diesel is currently available in Los Angeles, New York City, and London, UK, where it is currently considered a standard practice for productions to use. It is also available in Vancouver in limited locations, but productions can add a tank to soundstages for on-site refilling. Logistical challenges include limited retail stations selling RD outside of California, requiring it to be purchased in bulk and delivered to a fuel tank. Ask your fuel supplier if they can provide renewable diesel. See list below for known current suppliers.

For more information, see “Renewable Diesel as a Major Transportation Fuel in California: Opportunities, Benefits & Challenges” prepared for the South Coast Air Quality Management District and Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Renewable Diesel Suppliers

Renewable diesel (also known as hydrotreated vegetable oil or HVO) is available at several retail gas stations in California as well as via fueling stations at several Studio Lots. In California and in other regions, several fuel distributors can deliver it to trucks or owned tanks.

Los Angeles, California

Portland, Oregon

Star Oilco

New York

New Jersey

United Kingdom

Austria

Biofuel Express

Toronto

Suncor (Apr-Oct)

Alberta

4Refuel

Vancouver, British Columbia

Ireland

HVO is available to productions in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. More information to be provided soon.

Other Resources:

Find fuel stations with RD and EV charging using the Filter by fuel types: https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/biodiesel_locations.html#/find/nearest?fuel=RD