September 24, 2024 [Biodiesel Magazine]- In a major step towards a more sustainable future, Global Partners, a leading independent energy supplier and retail operator, is making renewable diesel available at the East Haven terminal, where Global leases storage to support its bioheat and renewable diesel business.
This marks the first time this eco-friendly fuel has been accessible in Connecticut. Global’s renewable diesel offering is a pathway for the state to achieve its climate goals and is a significant advancement in the company’s diverse fuel options for customers looking to reduce their environmental impact. Renewable diesel is made from fats, oils, and waste products from the food and restaurant industries and delivers the same performance as petroleum diesel with up to 78% lower emissions, according to the EPA.
“Offering renewable diesel to our commercial customers underscores the importance of supporting sustainable practices and reducing carbon footprints,” said John McCusker, Global Partners LP vice president of wholesale marketing. “This innovative fuel burns cleaner, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality. We’ve been an early adopter and supplier of this ‘green fuel,’ and we are proud to provide it to the communities where we live and serve.”
More than 40% of greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector, and introducing renewable diesel into Connecticut’s fuel supply helps the state move towards its goal of an 80% reduction of greenhouse gases by 2050. It provides a cleaner, more sustainable alternative for local businesses and fleet operators. Tilcon Connecticut Inc., a construction materials supplier, uses Global-supplied renewable diesel in its fleet.
“Using lower-carbon fuels for on-site equipment is part of our commitment to sustainability at Tilcon Connecticut,” said Carolina Cavalcante, president, Tilcon Connecticut Inc. “Many of our work vehicles now run on renewable diesel, and this is helping us decarbonize our operations. Improved access to a reliable and locally available supply of this fuel is a welcome development.”
Renewable diesel matches the specifications of petroleum diesel and is compatible with current diesel engines and storage tanks without any modifications, making it a seamless transition for the transportation industry, improving engine performance, mileage, and maintenance. Renewable diesel is widely available in West Coast states where low-carbon fuel standards have helped to encourage and incentivize the use of renewable fuels.
Across New England, despite bold climate goals set by many states, renewable diesel and other renewable fuels are uncommon, in part because of a lack of policy incentives.
“I am thrilled that renewable diesel is now available in Connecticut — providing local businesses and fleets with a cleaner and greener source of fuel,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). “Biofuels are a critical part of our energy efficient future and Connecticut’s goal to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. I will keep advocating for more tax credits, rebates and resources to strongly support the development and deployment of clean energy across the nation.”
Global Partners introduced renewable diesel to its Northeast terminal assets over a year ago and has since become one of the largest suppliers of renewable diesel in the Northeast. Its offering of renewable diesel in East Haven marks the fifth terminal location in the Northeast where it has made the cleaner fuel available for distribution to customers. It’s one of many ways Global is driving businesses forward with great, reliable fuels. Click here to learn more about the company’s sustainability efforts.
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