Filed under: Biodiesel
NExBTL, the Cthulhu-like word that stands for “next generation biomass to liquid,” is the fuel that Finnish refiner Neste Oil is trying to perfect. As we told you last year, NExBTL is a biodiesel that has a more consistent quality level that is also more cold temperature and cold tolerant than traditional biodiesel, according to Neste.
Well, the company is about to find out just how well the biofuel performs, with the announcement last week of a three year study in Stockholm with Swedish Post, Posten Logistik, shipper Waxholmsbolaget Angfartygs, Volvo Penta and Scania. The test is to figure out how tailpipe emissions change with different levels of NExBTL from 30 percent blended into conventional fuel to 100 percent NExBTL.
Neste’s press release is after the jump.
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[Source: Neste Oil via Automotive News Europe (subs req’d)
Neste Oil´s renewable diesel to help clean Stockholm´s air
Neste Oil Oyj, the logistics division of Swedish Post, Posten Logistik AB, shipping company Waxholmsbolaget Ångfartygs AB, Volvo Penta, and Scania are to work together to reduce traffic-related emissions and promote the use of biofuels in Stockholm. The parties have signed a letter of intent covering a broad-based trial of NExBTL diesel produced from renewable raw materials on land and at sea in the Stockholm area.
The Swedish project is planned to be part of a broader EU project aimed at promoting the use of diesel fuel rich in premium-quality NExBTL Renewable Diesel also in other countries across Europe.
The project will study areas such as how tailpipe emissions change with different levels of NExBTL blended into conventional fuel. It is also expected to highlight the flexibility and environmental benefits inherent in the use of Neste Oil’s NExBTL diesel.
The test period will begin in fall 2007 and last until the end of 2010. It will involve around 100 vehicles operated by Posten Logistik and two to three ships in the Stockholm archipelago operated by Waxholmsbolaget. Volvo Penta will carry out emission measurements and regular inspections of the engines of the ships in the trial.
Fueled by Neste Oil’s proprietary NExBTL
The vehicles and ships in the trial will initially run on diesel fuel that contains around 30% NExBTL. The intention is gradually to shift to higher NExBTL content and eventually to 100% NExBTL. As part of the project, Scania will test the use of 100% NExBTL in several buses in Greater Helsinki in spring 2008.
The Stockholm trial is similar to that due to begin this fall involving Neste Oil, the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council (YTV), and Helsinki City Transport, which is also aimed at reducing urban traffic-related emissions and is intended to form part of a broader EU initiative.
Neste Oil Corporation is a refining and marketing company focused on advanced, clean traffic fuels, with a strategy that prioritizes growing its refining and premium-quality biodiesel businesses. Neste Oil’s refineries are located at Porvoo and Naantali in Finland, and have a total refining capacity of approx. 250,000 bbl/d. The company employs around 4,700 people and its shares are listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange. For further information, see www.nesteoil.com.
NExBTL (Next Generation Biomass to Liquid) Renewable Diesel is a new, premium-quality biodiesel produced from renewable feedstocks using Neste Oil proprietary technology. NExBTL offers excellent performance that comprehensively meets engine manufacturers’ requirements with very low tailpipe emissions. Virtually any known vegetable oil or animal fat can be used to produce NExBTL. The first NExBTL plant is due to be completed at Neste Oil’s Porvoo refinery in Finland in summer 2007, and a second one at the same site towards the end of 2008. Both will have a capacity of 170,000 t/a.
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