ConocoPhillips has started commercial production of “renewable” diesel fuel at the company’s refinery in Cork, Ireland. The refinery is currently producing 1,000 barrels of the fuel, which includes soybean and vegetable oils. The company argues it meets the European Union standards for diesel fuels.
The fuel is produced using existing equipment at the refinery and is blended and transported with petroleum-based diesel, unlike biodiesel fuel. Soybean oil will be the primary renewable feedstock used, although the plant can also produce renewable diesel using rape seed oil and other vegetable oils.
“ConocoPhillips has developed an economical means of producing renewable diesel fuel that burns more cleanly than conventional diesel fuel and contributes to energy diversification,” argues Bob Hassler, ConocoPhillips’ president of Europe refining, marketing and transportation.