Transportation's Role in Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...

Transportation’s Role in Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Volume 2
Hydrogenation-Derived Renewable Diesel (HDRD)
Fats or vegetable oils that have been processed in a refinery and used alone or blended
with petroleum are known as HDRD, sometimes called a “second-generation biodiesel.” It
is expected that HDRD, like FT diesel, can substitute directly for conventional diesel
without requiring modifications to engines or infrastructure. However, further testing is
needed.
Although HDRD research is well advanced and close to full commercialization, HDRD is
not yet widely available. A number of companies have commercial trials underway,
although long-term costs and production potential remain uncertain. Gasoline can be
produced by a similar process, but this process is less developed.
Because the HDRD process uses existing oil refinery capacity, extensive new production
facilities are not required. Other benefits include use of renewable resources, carbonneutral
combustion emissions, anticipated compatibility with existing vehicle engines and
fuel infrastructure, fuel properties that suggest similar or better vehicle performance
compared to conventional diesel, and ultralow sulfur content.
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