What is Diesel?
Diesel is a type of fuel most commonly used to power on-road vehicles and other forms of transport such as cars, lorries, trains, and boats. Diesel is refined from crude oil at petroleum refineries. In the US, these refineries produce 12 gallons of diesel from each 42 gallon barrel of crude oil.
Diesel Specification
Since 2007, diesel that conforms to EN590 specification has been referred to as Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD)
ULSD is a blend of:
A mineral distillate (93% by volume) of ULSD
Biodiesel (7% by volume) usually EN14214 FAME
What is FAME?
FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters) is a renewable biodiesel that is manufactured from
sustainable sources. As a biofuel, FAME can help reduce CO2 emissions and has
strong hygroscopic properties – meaning it is highly effective at absorbing water.
Changing regulations
The UK’s RTFO requires all fuel suppliers to increase the volume of renewable content
present in the total fuel mix. Currently, 8.5% of total fuel volume must be derived from sustainable and renewable sources; however, the target volume is set to increase to
12.4% by 2032. This will lead to a greater volume of FAME content in UK fuel than ever
before.
FUN FACT
What other names is diesel known by?
DERV (Diesel Engine Road Vehicle)
Road diesel
Road DERV
White diesel
Ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD)