Guernsey’s Forest Road Garage is the first forecourt in Guernsey to sell a new biofuel, RD100, that will contribute to cutting global carbon emissions.
What is RD100 biofuel?
RD100 is an new diesel made from 100% renewable materials that dramatically cut global carbon emissions, improves engine performance and can be used today in any diesel vehicle without the need for modifications.
RD100 is clear, odourless and is refined from 100% renewable sources such as vegetable oils from rapeseed, sunflower and soybean, and waste fats such as animal fats or used cooking oil. It has better combustion, filterability and cold temperature resistance meaning it is better for diesel vehicles, particularly in the islands where journeys are short, and engines don’t reach full operating temperature. RD100 can replace fossil diesel today.
RD100 outperforms other biodiesels and fossil diesel and has been on trial in Guernsey with a number of diesel fleet operators, who report better engine performance and cleaner exhaust fumes.
An ongoing problem for local motorists with diesel engines is the maintenance of their diesel particulate filters (DPF). These filters, that were a step to reduce emissions effectively, have proved costly in the Channel Islands as journeys are shorter and engines are often unable to reach and maintain their optimum temperate for the filters to work effectively. Instead, due to the nature of local car journeys, the filters require regular cleaning and/or replacing. Renewable diesel promises to assist in this ongoing maintenance and reduce costs, prolonging the use of the diesel particulate filter and improving fuel consumption due to the fuel’s clean properties.
In the States of Guernsey Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, Renewable Diesel is highlighted as a solution to reduce carbon and other emissions.
Following the support and demand from locals who want to make switch to renewable diesel, Rubis has worked with Forest Road Garage to release RD100 to the general public. Rubis plans to roll out the fuel to others in the Rubis network in due course.
Bertrand Dellinger, Managing Director of Rubis Channel Islands says: “Important challenges lay ahead that need to be built into any future strategies to support the sustainability of the island and contribute to the world’s transition to a low carbon future. As such, we are delighted our partner Forest Road Garage will be stocking RD100, responding to Guernsey’s climate emergency call and helping us to drive change now. In the aim for carbon neutrality, RD100 is a solution for the transition and can make a difference today.”
Dale Crowsley, Managing Director of Forest Road Garage Ltd says: “It is great to be able to partner with Rubis, this move is aligned with our business objectives to facilitate the island’s transition to sustainable transport. It is important to have a product that will overcome previous DPF issues. HVO is stable, renewable, sustainable and high-quality, and therefore offers better combustion, filterability and cold temperature performance than fossil diesel, whilst significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions on combustion. Thanks to our relationship with Rubis we can offer a product that can be added to your tank now and drivers of diesel vehicles can start to reduce their emissions immediately.”
Click here to read the frequently asked questions about RD100 biofuel.
Image by Steve Jurvetson.
