Neste expands California renewable diesel sales

After debuting in Northern California, Neste's NEXBTL renewable diesel is now also available to drivers in Southern California at retail stations, the company announced on Wednesday.

Propel Fuels is the first retailer in the world to sell essentially-neat NEXBTL renewable diesel to consumers under the brand name Diesel HPR (high-performance renewable).

Neste says its NEXBTL-based Diesel HPR proved an instant hit in March 2015 when it was launched at 18 Propel stations across Northern California. Within the first three months, Propel experienced a 300% increase in sales volume and customers provided great feedback on the fuel, which the company says improves performance and significantly reduces harmful tailpipe emissions such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and particulates.

"Drivers across Southern California can now experience the power, performance and value Diesel HPR provides over traditional petroleum-based diesel," said Rob Elam, CEO of Propel. "Fleets and consumers can be confident in filling up with the nation's lowest carbon renewable fuel."

California is a forerunner in renewable energy, and renewable diesel plays a significant role in California's climate plan. Neste's NEXBTL renewable diesel meets both federal and California diesel specification requirements.

"We are very thrilled that Californian motorists have welcomed NEXBTL renewable diesel and that we can help our customer Propel Fuels to grow their business and expand the distribution of Diesel HPR," said Kaisa Hietala, executive vice president of Neste's renewable products business. "Together, we will help California to reduce emissions and also improve the air quality for all Californians. "

NEXBTL renewable diesel offers an excellent way for companies to reduce their carbon footprint as well as for cities to improve their air quality, Neste says. Produced from 100% renewable raw materials, NEXBTL renewable diesel can achieve up to 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over its lifecycle in comparison to petroleum diesel. 

In addition, it can reduce levels of local emissions that have a negative impact on air quality. NEXBTL renewable diesel can be blended to any concentration and can even be used neat. Furthermore, NEXBTL is hydrocarbon renewable diesel and, as such, is fully compatible with all modern diesel engines and existing distribution infrastructure, requiring no changes in the supply chain. It is not the same product as traditional biodiesel.

Diesel HPR consisting of Neste's NEXBTL renewable diesel is now available at 13 Propel stations across Southern California including several in Los Angeles/Orange County, Inland Empire and San Diego.