Shell Renewable Diesel
Up to 90% less CO2e 1 emissions compared to EN590 B0 diesel2 on a life cycle basis3.
About Shell Renewable Diesel
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 derived from renewable waste and residue feedstocks that do not compete with human food or animal feed sources.12
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 can reduce 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.
Shell Renewable Diesel Blend R33
Shell Renewable Diesel Blend R33 is a new, high-quality diesel that contains up to 33% Renewable Content (7% FAME and26% HVO) and meets Europe’s EN 590 standard for diesel fuel.
It is a normal diesel fuel that is compatible with traditional drive trains and existing refueling infrastructure, while offering lower-carbon energy options for customers seeking to diversify their energy mix.
Benefits of using Shell Renewable Diesel Blend R33
Up to 30%11 less CO2e emissions compared to EN590 B0 diesel2 on a life cycle basis3.
Available for road transport.
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
1. Does Shell Renewable Diesel have a negative impact on my vehicle’s operability?
1. Does Shell Renewable Diesel have a negative impact on my vehicle’s operability?
Shell Renewable Diesel is a drop in fuel that can be used as a direct replacement for EN 590 diesel fuel if blended. However, customers need to verify that the engine is approved for EN15940 fuels to avoid invalidating engine warranties, but also to check with OEM/manufacturer before use.
2. Can vehicles that run on Shell GTL Fuel also run-on Shell Renewable Diesel?
2. Can vehicles that run on Shell GTL Fuel also run-on Shell Renewable Diesel?
As both fuels are covered in Europe by the same standard EN 15940, Shell Renewable Diesel can be used as a direct replacement for Shell GTL Fuel, without any need for engine modifications. It is important that the vehicle/engine has been approved for EN 15940 fuels by the manufacturer (OEM)10.
3. Will it be possible to purchase Shell Renewable Diesel from other retail brands?
3. Will it be possible to purchase Shell Renewable Diesel from other retail brands?
Initially the Shell Renewable Diesel launch will only consider Shell sites. In the future it might be considered to extend to third party networks.
4. Is Shell Renewable Diesel available in other countries?
4. Is Shell Renewable Diesel available in other countries?
Yes, Shell Renewable Diesel is already available in California, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, UK, Germany, France, Norway and Italy.
Disclaimers
1 Between 80%-90% CO2e. CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) includes CO2, CH4, N2O emissions.
2 Calculated by comparing to a GHG baseline intensity of 92g CO2e/MJ on a Well-to-Wheel basis, representative of an EN590 B0 diesel and calculated by Shell with emission factors from JEC Well-to-Tank report v5 (Link: https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/959137) and internal Shell studies.
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 Compared to EN590 B0 diesel.
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.
11 Between 27%-30% CO2e. CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) includes CO2, CH4, N2O emissions.
12 Compliant with the latest version of the EU's Renewable Energy Directive including but not limited to feedstocks listed under the Annex IX-A and IX-B. [LINK: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02018L2001-20240716]