Shell Renewable Diesel
Up to 90% less CO2e 1 emissions compared to EN590 B0 diesel2 on a life cycle basis3.
About Shell Renewable Diesel
100% renewable bio-components
- Shell Renewable Diesel (SRD) is commonly referred to Renewable Diesel (RD), Green Diesel, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO), or Hydrotreated Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA)
- Shell Renewable Diesel is considered a renewable energy source, made with 100% renewable bio-components such as corn, sugar, vegetable oils, or waste feedstocks through hydrogenation (treatment with hydrogen)
Up to 90% less CO2e 1 emissions compared to EN590 B0 diesel2 on a life cycle basis3
- Shell Renewable Diesel offers up to 90% less CO2e 1 emissions compared to EN590 B0 diesel2 on a life cycle basis3.
- Shell Renewable Diesel has a lower well-to-wheel Carbon Intensity (CI) than B0 diesel
- The greenhouse gas saving depends on the feedstock that is used for production
Example of a short-term carbon cycle
Example of a long-term carbon cycle
Difference between Renewable Diesel and Biodiesel
| Renewable Diesel | Biodiesel | |
| Source | Feedstocks are similar/the same such as used cooking oils, crop-based, animal fats and other wastes | Feedstocks are similar/the same such as used cooking oils, crop-based, animal fats and other wastes |
| Production process | Hydrogenation | Esterification |
| Blending ratio restriction | Can be blended in any ratio, or used as the pure fuel | Must be blended with traditional fossil fuels (diesel or gasoline) before they can be used in vehicles available today X = the maximum percentage of blended into fossil diesel |
Key features and benefits
Drop-in Fuel⁴
Shell Renewable Diesel can be used as a direct replacement for B0 diesel fuels without the need for modifications to engines approved to use EN 15940 fuel. (check vehicle handbook/ diesel fuel cap)
Lower Engine Noise⁷
Shell Renewable Diesel can reduce noise levels in some engines compared to EN590 B0 diesel due to more uniform combustion.
Improved Fuel Storage Performance
Shell Renewable Diesel can help to reduce the risk of microbial growth.9
Cleaner Combustion⁵
It is a cleaner combustion fuel reducing air pollutants in the exhaust gas of diesel engine due to reduced emissions of regulated pollutants nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and unburnt hydrocarbons (HC).6
Cold Start: Excellent Low Temperature Combustion Performance⁸
The high cetane number of Shell Renewable Diesel allows for an easier start-up of diesel engine at low temperatures compared to B0 diesel. This is particularly important in cold climate conditions or starting the engine in the morning after a cold winter night.
Why Choose Renewable Diesel supplied by Shell?
Skilled technical teams support worldwide
- Shell has skilled technical teams worldwide as well as strong relationships with engine manufacturers
- Shell actively manages and measures product quality through a globally consistent set of standards and policies and applies a rigorous program of quality testing throughout our supply chain
- Shell has our own biofuels research teams, which work in collaboration with leading biotechnology companies and academic institutions
Questions & Answers
Disclaimers
1 Between 80%-90% CO2e. CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) includes CO2, CH4, N2O emissions.
2 The reduced CO2e emissions are calculated by comparing to a GHG baseline intensity of 92 g CO2e /MJ on a Well-to-Wheel basis, representative of a EN590 B0 diesel. The carbon intensity of the EN590 B0 diesel is calculated by Shell using emission factors from the JEC Well-to-Tank report v5 and Shell internal studies. (Link: European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Prussi, M., Yugo, M., De Prada, L., et al., JEC well-to-tank report V5 : JEC well-to-wheels analysis: well-to-wheels analysis of future automotive fuels and powertrains in the European context, Publications Office, 2020, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/959137).
3 The life-cycle assessment of a product's CO2e emissions includes emissions associated with feedstock production, feedstock transport, fuel production, fuel transportation and distribution, and combustion.
4 When switching from diesel. Based on Shell’s operability studies and market experience to date. Vehicle handbook and/or label at the fuel tank socket must be checked for OEM approval. Not applicable for passenger cars.
5 The full life-cycle assessment of a product’s green house gas emissions includes emissions associated with feedstock production, feedstock transport, fuel production, fuel transportation and distribution as well as end use and/or combustion.
6 Actual effects and benefits may vary according to vehicle type, vehicle condition and driving style. Compared to EN590 B0 diesel. Not applicable for passenger cars. The tailpipe out emission benefit can be limited for vehicles with advanced exhaust aftertreatment systems.
7 Actual effects and benefits may vary according to vehicle type, vehicle condition and driving style. Compared to EN590 B0 diesel. Not applicable for passenger cars.
8 Amount of improvement depends on engine type and ambient conditions. Compared to B0 diesel. Not applicable for passenger cars.
9 Applied to 100% HEFA only without any FAME blended in. Compared to B5 diesel.
10 Before switching fuels, the vehicle or equipment operator should refer to the vehicle handbook and/or label at the fuel tank socket for OEM approval.