Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Renewable Diesel and HVO from RD2GO:

Who is RD2Go and what is Renewable Diesel (RD)?

  • RD2GO is Australia’s leading renewables-first fuel company, supplying Renewable Diesel (RD) as a sustainable drop-in alternative to fossil diesel.

  • Renewable Diesel is also known as HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). It is produced by hydrotreating waste oils, fats, and residues into a fuel that is a hydrocarbon almost identical to fossil diesel, but much cleaner and renewable. This makes it compatible with existing diesel engines and infrastructure without modification.

What is the relationship between Renewable Diesel and HVO?

  • They are the same fuel. “Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil” (HVO) and “Renewable Diesel” (RD) are used interchangeably, and sometimes have greater prevalence in different regions. For example, the term HVO is commonly used in Europe, whilst Renewable Diesel is more common in the US.

  • Why two names?

    • HVO describes the process: hydrotreating vegetable oils, waste cooking oils, animal fats, or residues.

    • Renewable Diesel describes the application: a renewable alternative to fossil diesel, fully interchangeable in vehicles, equipment, and generators.

  • Other names you might see: R100, HVO100, or EN15940-compliant diesel - these all refer to 100% Renewable Diesel and/or 100% HVO.

What are the differences between HVO and Biodiesel?

  • HVO and biodiesel are very different products

  • Production process:

    • Biodiesel (FAME) is made via trans-esterification of vegetable oils or animal fats. The end product is not a hydrocarbon.

    • HVO is made via hydrotreatment, producing a fuel almost identical to fossil diesel, and importantly, a hydrocarbon molecule. HVO is 100% hydrocarbon and 0% oxygen. HVO has zero FAME content so does not attract moisture.

  • Performance:

    • Biodiesel can cause storage, clogging, and blending issues above certain percentages. Many OEMs have historically given approvals for use of B5 (5%) up to B20 (20%) biodiesel to fossil diesel fuel blends to account for the different fuel properties.

    • HVO can be used in any ratio (up to 100%) with no engine or infrastructure changes, with OEM approvals of HVO100 (100%).

  • Cold-weather performance: Renewable Diesel performs better than fossil diesel and biodiesel in cold climates.

  • Compatibility: Biodiesel has blending limits (often B5 or B20). HVO can be used at any concentration (1% up to 100% or HVO100) with no engine or infrastructure changes.

What are the environmental benefits of Renewable Diesel?

  • Zero Scope 1 Carbon emissions in Australia, a significant reduction compared to fossil diesel.

  • Lower NOx, SOx and particulate matter emissions, lowering soot and improving air quality for workers and the local environment

  • Produced only from waste and residue feedstocks, not food crops.

  • Safer to store and transport (higher flashpoint, biodegradable if spilled).

How does Renewable Diesel compare to carbon offsets?

  • It is now accepted that carbon reduction is preferred over carbon offsets where reductions can be achieved. Recent investigations have found the carbon offset market has questionable participant operating within it, and therefore offsets have been tainted with credibility concerns. Other recent events, including a Federal court finding against Energy Australia's use of offsets is making carbon reduction far more appealing, with less corporate reputation risk than carbon offsets.

  • In Australia, Renewable Diesel is calculated as zero Scope 1 carbon Emissions in accordance with the National Greenhouse Accounts Factors. For example:

  • Stationary Combustion of Fuels: including diesel generators, concrete pumps, tower cranes and other stationary diesel machinery, the carbon emissions from using renewable diesel are zero.

  • Transport Fuel Emissions: including light commercial and heavy-duty vehicles, the carbon emissions from using renewable diesel are zero.

Where is Renewable Diesel available for delivery in Australia?

RD2Go supplies to:

  • Major capitals: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth.

  • Regions and other cities: Delivery available on request.

  • Options: One-off deliveries or regular supply contracts.

In which industries is Renewable Diesel already used?

  • Transport and logistics - trucks, buses, forklifts, reach stackers, grid stackers

  • Data Centres - back-up generators

  • Mining and resources - locomotives, heavy equipment, mining equipment and trucks, generators

  • Rail - locomotives

  • Construction and civil engineering - heavy machinery, graders, excavators, cranes,

  • Power Generation - generators

  • Marine - dredgers, survey vessels, vessels with diesel engines

  • Aviation (SAF) and airports - ground transport diesel engines, aviation using SAF

  • Any other industry which currently uses fossil diesel in their regular business operations

Is HVO approved by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)?

  • Yes, most OEMs have officially approved the use of HVO in their engines. Manufacturers such as CAT, Cummins, MTU, DAF, Volvo, Scania, Mercedes, Isuzu, Man, Iveco, Mack and Daimler support and promote its compatibility with their equipment.

  • Refer to our website which provides links to publicly available information regarding existing approvals for use or contact your relevant business suppliers and partners for verification.

Are there any capital expenditures (CAPEX) required to switch to Renewable Diesel?

  • No, switching to Renewable Diesel does not require additional capital expenditures. You can continue using your existing fleet and infrastructure without any modifications, making it a cost-effective solution for immediate emission reductions.

Is Renewable Diesel compatible with my existing diesel engines and storage infrastructure?

  • Yes, renewable diesel is compatible with modern diesel engines and can be used without any modifications. It can also be stored in the same tanks as fossil diesel without the need for flushing, enabling a seamless transition.

What’s happening with Renewable Diesel policy and regulation in Australia?

How do I place an order for Renewable Diesel with RD2GO?

  • Call us direct on +61 403 198 269 and our team will assist you with the ordering process.

  • Alternatively, visit our website at www.rd2go.com.au and click on the Order Now.

What are the delivery options and lead times for Renewable Diesel?

  • Once your order is confirmed, our team will coordinate with you to arrange a convenient delivery schedule based on discussions with our shipping, delivery and logistics partners.

  • Delivery times may vary based on location and order size; please contact us for specific details.

What Quality Assurance practices do you have in place for Renewable Diesel?

  • Our fuel complies with EN15940 and Australian Standards for Paraffinic Diesel Fuel.

  • Additionally, our HVO come with Proof of Sustainability Certification from ISCC. The ISCC Certification system is a globally recognised system driving sustainability through transparent, credible and globally recognized certifications and audit.

How should Renewable Diesel be stored and what is its shelf life?

  • HVO has lower sulphur, aromatics, and oxygenates. Oxygen is the primary contributor to degradation of fuel, meaning HVO has a longer shelf life compared to fossil diesel.

  • HVO can be stored in existing diesel storage tanks without special cleaning or flushing of tanks or hoses.

How can I get in touch with RD2GO?

We hope this FAQ section helps you understand the product and process of ordering from RD2GO. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.