Guernsey is at the forefront of a drive to a greener future, as Rubis embarks on a new trial with their 100% Renewable Diesel, RD100.
Rubis is now supplying RD100, as standard, across all their forecourts.
Committed to making progress on their journey towards carbon neutrality, this trial is a big step by the distributor to understand the appetite of the local market for renewable fuel. If the trial is successful, Rubis will continue to supply RD100 across the forecourt network.
This is a significant moment in energy transition, where a fossil fuel has been entirely replaced with a renewable diesel. Guernsey is the first jurisdiction in the world to have such access and widespread coverage of renewable fuel.
Over one year, an islander could save over two tonnes of carbon emissions
On average, islanders use around 800 litres of diesel in their cars per year. This means, over one year, one islander who has made the switch to RD100 could save over two tonnes of carbon emissions, which is roughly the same weight as a large family car.
Bertrand Dellinger, Managing Director of Rubis Channel Islands: said “RD100 provides an easy and small first step that can make a big difference. We are excited for this trial and to see what positive changes it can bring. It’s about making the transition to RD100 easier for our customers and our community.
We would not have been able to move forward and deliver this change without the support from our staff, the Rubis forecourt network, the public, and the States of Guernsey. The development and approval of the ‘Climate Change Policy & Action Plan’, has set a framework in which we are able to invest and make future plans and strategic decisions. We have engaged with the Island’s politicians and the States of Guernsey policy team, to bring renewable diesel to Guernsey.”
Guernsey’s transport is 30% of the total greenhouse gas emissions
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, is encouraged by the initiative’s potential to reduce the environmental impact of road transport in the island. She said: “Transport is currently the single biggest source of Guernsey’s greenhouse gas emissions, contributing 30% of the total, so it’s clear we need to support the energy transition towards decarbonisation in the transport sector to meet the targets set out in our Climate Change Policy.
“This initiative will reduce the environmental impact of transport locally, not just in terms of carbon emissions but also in terms of our air quality, and because RD100 is a more sustainable use of resources it also helps reduce environmental impacts beyond our shores too. I’m sure many islanders will welcome this trial as much as I do and I wish it every success.”
Bertrand Dellinger further added: “We cannot underestimate how significant a step this is for a fuel distributor, to switch from a fossil diesel to a 100% renewable diesel. Guernsey is truly at the forefront of the energy transition.”
The benefits of RD100 are widely known, including reducing global carbon emissions, reducing local emissions (smoke, NOx, particulates, and carbon monoxide etc.), as well as improving vehicle performance. Made from 100% renewable materials, such as vegetable oils from rapeseed, sunflower and soybean, and waste fats such as animal fats or used cooking oil, RD100 outperforms traditional diesel and 1st generation biofuel. It has better combustion and cold temperature resistance, meaning it is better for diesel vehicles; particularly in Guernsey where journeys are short, and engines don’t reach full operating temperature.
It is a direct replacement for diesel, known as a ‘drop in’ fuel, and can be used straightaway without any modifications needed. Every litre switched from traditional diesel to renewable diesel removes 2.84kg of carbon emissions from the ‘Well to Wheel’ lifecycle of emissions. RD100 is an immediate solution to help tackle climate change.
RD100 is available at all Rubis forecourts, as standard.
Click here to find out more about RD100, and how the switch can improve your carbon footprint.
