New York City’s pilot of renewable diesel use on its diesel vehicles met its goals, and the city is in the process of bidding a multi-year contract for renewable diesel, according to a report released by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services.

In 2018, New York City began testing renewable diesel after signing a contract with its current diesel supplier for 1 million gallons of the fuel. The fuel was supplied by Renewable Energy Group (REG), which shipped the produce to New York via railroad.

The results of the pilot showed:

• No reports of vehicles requiring extra maintenance or incurring operation issues because of using the fuel.

• No reports of fueling dispensers or underground storage tanks experiencing issues storing or dispensing the product.

• No compatibility issues with vehicle models, ranging from on-road to off-road units.

• A low carbon intensity of 35.71 gCO2e/MJ (compared to 94.71 gCO2e/MJ for petroleum diesel delivered to California). The fuel was produced in a Louisiana refinery from animal fats.

• Cost difference of $1.65 per gallon more for renewable diesel during the pilot. The city hopes expanded implementation and market and potential regulatory relief may reduce the cost.

Because the demonstration took place June through October, the city did not address cold weather impacts. DCAS is bidding a 45% renewable diesel requirement in its first long-term contract for renewable diesel for the winter months.

Additionally, DCAS plans to test tailpipe emissions using a Department of Sanitation lab.

To view the full report, click here.