Fuels
As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, alternative fuels are becoming increasingly popular to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. State governments also provide credits. RINs Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) are credits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued to fuel producers and importers who produce or import renewable fuels. RINs can be sold or traded. They can be used by obligated parties (such as fuel blenders and refiners) to meet their renewable fuel obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). By using RINs, obligated parties can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and comply with EPA regulations while still using traditional fuels. While many different types of renewable fuels qualify for RINs, some of the major categories are biodiesel, ethanol, heating oil, marine fuel, and renewable diesel.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel from vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled cooking oil. It is used as a replacement for traditional diesel fuel in vehicles, and it can be blended with diesel fuel in varying proportions, from B5 (5% biodiesel, 95% diesel fuel) to B100 (100% biodiesel). Biodiesel has several benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 86%, reducing particulate matter emissions, and being a domestically produced, renewable resource. Additionally, biodiesel has excellent lubricity, which can reduce engine wear and tear.
Ethanol
Ethanol is a renewable fuel from corn, sugar cane, or other plant materials. It is primarily used as a blend with gasoline, with the most common blends being E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) and E15 (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline). Ethanol has several benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing toxic emissions, and being a domestically produced, renewable resource. Additionally, ethanol has a higher octane rating than gasoline, which can improve engine performance.
Heating Oil
Heating oil is a petroleum-based fuel commonly used to heat homes and businesses. However, heating oil can be blended with renewable fuels like biodiesel to create a more environmentally friendly option. Blending heating oil with biodiesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality while still providing a reliable heat source. Additionally, using biodiesel blends in heating oil can reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of heating equipment.
Renewable Diesel
Renewable diesel is a low-emission, high-quality fuel from renewable resources like vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste products. It can be used in any diesel engine without needing modifications, making it an excellent alternative to traditional diesel fuel. Renewable diesel has several benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85%, reducing particulate matter emissions by up to 40%, and improving engine performance. Renewable diesel has a longer shelf life and better cold-weather performance than traditional diesel fuel.
Reasons to Blend
Blending alternative fuels with traditional fuels has several benefits. Using domestically produced, renewable resources can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and promote energy independence. Additionally, blending alternative fuels with traditional fuels can improve engine performance, reduce engine wear and tear, and extend the life of the equipment.