Neste MY Renewable Diesel FAQ

Product features and use

What is Neste MY Renewable Diesel?

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) used as fuel for diesel engines. The fuel is made entirely from renewable feedstocks, which emit significantly less greenhouse gas emissions on a lifecycle basis compared to fossil diesel. Renewable diesel is sometimes confused with biodiesel. Renewable diesel is a pure hydrocarbon diesel fuel with a similar chemical composition to fossil diesel, which allows the fuel to be used as a drop-in replacement. The two big differences are that renewable diesel does not have the most harmful components of fossil diesel (like aromatics), and it is made from renewable feedstocks instead of crude oil. Other biofuels, like biodiesel, have a chemical composition that differs from both fossil and renewable diesel, requiring blending with fossil diesel or potential engine modifications to be safely used. ​​See more: What is renewable diesel?

Why is it called Neste MY Renewable Diesel?

Neste rebranded its renewable diesel fuel in early 2017 to clearly differentiate its high-quality, drop-in renewable diesel from other diesels on the market and to further strengthen its renewable diesel offering with its partners. Neste wants to help people and businesses reduce their climate impact, and to accelerate the transition to carbon neutrality. We make it easy for you with our drop-in solution. The name Neste MY stems from the importance of the choices we make. MY choice. MY diesel.

Product benefits

What are the benefits of Neste MY Renewable Diesel compared to fossil diesel?

In addition to a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction by up to 75%, other emissions such as Particulate Matter (PM) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), are also greatly reduced compared to fossil diesel, especially in older vehicles. Neste MY offers powerful performance in cold weather and is free of sulphur, oxygen and aromatic compounds. Performance and maintenance savings benefits will depend on the age and model of the vehicle.

In which vehicles and engines can Neste MY Renewable Diesel be used?

Neste MY can be used in all diesel engines because it meets the same ASTM D975 specification as fossil diesel.

How does Neste MY Renewable Diesel differ from fossil diesel?

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is made from 10 different sustainably-produced raw materials such as waste and residue and vegetable oils. Some of these raw materials are leftovers from the food industry - used cooking oil from fried chicken, french fries and many other comfort foods. There is no drilling for crude oil, there is no competition with our food system, and there is no contribution to deforestation. 

What quality standards does Neste MY meet?

Neste MY meets the ASTM D975 spec for fossil diesel. Renewable diesel is the bio component recommended according to the latest and most stringent specifications in the Worldwide Fuel Charter (WWFC). WWFC 5 does not allow the use of traditional FAME biodiesel, but thanks to its high cetane number, renewable diesel is recommended. WWFC 5 also specifies strict emission limit values, particulate filter life, long-term engine durability, engine performance and cold weather performance.

What is TOP TIER™ diesel fuel?

TOP TIERTM Diesel Fuel certification is awarded to diesel fuels suppliers that have tested and approve their formulations by a consortium of automotive OEMs, and it comes with the assurance that the fuel will meet a higher standard of performance which includes: Reduction of internal and external fuel injector deposits, improved lubricity for less wear on critical fuel system components, improved fuel stability resulting in less deposits in the fuel system components, and, increased protection against water and particulates introduced into the fuel before being dispensed into the vehicle or equipment.

 

Which engine manufacturers have approved the use of Neste MY Renewable Diesel?

Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Caterpillar, Volvo Trucks, Paccar, Mack, John Deere, plus many other international brands such as Mercedes Trucks, BMW Group, Renault, Scania, DAF, Citroën, Peugeot, etc. If you have specific concerns please contact us as we are continuously partnering with OEMs to do more testing and approval work around the world. Check the whole list here

How well does Neste MY perform in comparison with other renewable fuels?

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is significantly higher quality than traditional biodiesel products, which have limitations in how they can be used. Neste MY has outstanding storage properties compared to biodiesel and can be stored for very long periods of time. For example, it has a very small risk of bacterial growth, which other types of biodiesel often have.

Can you switch between fossil diesel and Neste MY? Can you mix them in the tank?

Yes, just fill up and drive! No modification of engines is needed. Additionally, renewable diesel can be mixed or switched with petroleum diesel and used as a drop-in.

Is Neste MY better than other renewable diesels on the market?

Neste has a very stringent process for ensuring the integrity of our entire supply chain. Customers know that they are getting a high-quality fuel that Neste has monitored from raw material, through production, and through distribution. They know they are getting a fuel that has been tested and shown to deliver powerful performance by leading engine manufacturers. The fuel is always of the highest quality and purity and customers know that the fuel meets our strict sustainability standards.

Are renewable diesel and biodiesel the same product?

No. While the two products can be produced from the same feedstocks and both are used in diesel engines, the end products are quite different. Neste MY Renewable Diesel meets the same specification as fossil diesel – ASTM D975, while FAME biodiesel is a fatty acid methyl ester and meets ASTM 6751. Most OEMS require that biodiesel be used in reduced blends (20 percent max) with fossil diesel while renewable diesel can be used 100% neat. Read more: Biodiesel vs renewable diesel.

How does Neste MY Renewable Diesel compare to electric cars?

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is available today and at scale. It provides an affordable and immediate way for customers to reduce emissions, without investing in new fleets or waiting for supporting infrastructure. It's a simple switch that can help future-proof fleets, preserving the investment already made.

Raw materials and sustainability

Where is Neste MY produced?

Neste MY is produced at Neste plants in Singapore, Rotterdam, Netherlands and Porvoo, Finland.

Which raw materials do you use?

Neste uses a mix of 10 plus different feedstocks, mainly wastes and residues and various vegetable oils. As a company, Neste is committed to pursuing a circular economy that reduces the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle. Neste has been recognized as the 4th most sustainable company in the world.

Innovation is one of the key enablers for our strategy of scaling up business faster and bolder. Neste is researching and developing a new generation of even lower carbon intensity raw materials - like forestry waste, municipal solid waste, and algae and even converting power to liquids. These future feedstocks can further enhance the environmental benefits of Neste MY Renewable Diesel.

What does Neste do to ensure the sustainability of its raw materials?

Neste has created a transparent, end-to-end value chain where we can trace our renewable products back to the source materials used to make them. As part of this, Neste has a solid process in place and requires all its suppliers meet our strict sustainability standards, which include criteria around human rights, environmental and community impacts, and diversity and inclusion. Additionally, the strength of our supply chain means we are uniquely positioned to allow any business or city that generates waste and residue materials to partner with Neste to certifiably convert their own waste into fuels to power their fleets.

Availability

How much renewable diesel does Neste produce annually?

Neste currently produces 3.2 million tons of renewable products annually. At the end of 2018, Neste made an investment of 1.4 billion euros to expand the Singapore refinery, which will increase Neste’s renewable products production capacity by 1.3 million tons per year, bringing the total global renewable product capacity close to 4.5 million tons annually in 2023. 

Will there be a shortage of renewable diesel?

No. New production capacity is keeping pace with growing demand. In fact, Neste will significantly boost its own renewable diesel production capacity in 2023, and is continuing to look at more projects to grow its production capacity even further. 

Where/how can we buy Neste MY?

Neste MY is only sold through authorized distributors and several carlock locations throughout California. Please click here to contact one of our distributors in California and Oregon. 

Are there fueling stations that sell Neste MY Renewable Diesel?

Neste MY is only sold through several cardlock locations throughout California. Please click here to find cardlock locations where you can buy Neste MY.

Can we buy Neste MY directly from Neste? Why not?

Neste MY is only sold through authorized distributors. Please see link to our authorized distributors and cardlock locations.

Biofuels

What are biofuels?

Biofuels are a type of liquid renewable energy made from renewable raw materials, such as sugars, starches, vegetable oils, as well as various types of waste and residues from forestry, agriculture and food industry processes.

The greenhouse gas emissions over the entire life cycle of biofuels are generally significantly lower than those of fossil fuels. 

Are biofuels sustainable?

That depends on how biofuels are produced. Sustainable biofuels are made of raw materials that are sourced from sustainable sources. Their supply chain meets the strict sustainability criteria set for biofuels in many markets.

Can I refuel biofuel in a regular diesel vehicle?

That depends on the type of biofuel. Renewable diesel (HVO) is a drop-in fuel and can be used in all diesel engines without modifications. The fuel can be blended in any ratio with fossil diesel – or used neat (100% concentration). 

If using biodiesel, nearly all engine manufacturers limit blends to 20%, and  higher blends  require specially adapted engines. Check with your vehicle supplier for guidance on the use of these fuels in your vehicles.See the difference between biodiesel and renewable diesel

Why do biofuels not contribute to climate change similarly to fossil fuels?

Biofuels are produced from renewable raw materials. Their emissions consist primarily of carbon dioxide that the renewable raw materials bind from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. Fossil fuels are made from non-renewable resources and release carbon that was sequestered far underground directly into the atmosphere. This is why biofuels have a significantly smaller carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels. Neste MY Renewable Diesel is able to create a footprint even up to 75% smaller.

CNG, what is it?

CNG stands for Compressed Natural Gas. Compared to gasoline, CNGcan improve air quality impact. However, it is mostly produced from fossil sources limiting its positive impact on climate change. It is not possible to use CNG in a diesel truck, as diesel engines are not designed to run on diesel and CNG interchangeably. 

Learn more about Neste MY Renewable Diesel