Short Communication
Michael D Eggleston
Abstract
Focusing on heavy modes of transport, diesel fuel currently provides the majority of the kick that is needed to meet the demands of the modern standard of living in the developed world and the increasing demand of energy in the developing world. Recently, diesel is facing a backlash after Volkswagens diesel-gate, which revealed the intentional manipulation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in official engine tests. The scandal hit at a time when air pollution is becoming an increasingly political issue for cities around the world. As air and sea traffic grow and as the developing world expands economically, the diesel engine will continue to play a key role in the transportation sector. Therefore, de-fossilizing this area of the transportation sector for the long-term will be necessary if the world’s governments are to meet temperature reduction targets set by the Paris Climate Agreement, as well as reduce the impact of anthropogenic climate change. Although alternative, renewable fuels, also referred to as biofuels, for diesel engines can be derived from a wide range of bio-based feedstocks, their methods of production, vehicle use and benefits are distinctly different from each other. The purpose of this presentation is to provide an informative background to renewable fuels available for the diesel engine in order to inform key decision makers and people who are just curious to learn more about the role alternative diesel fuels will play in the near future.