What is Hydrogenation-Derived Renewable Diesel?

Hydrogenation-derived renewable diesel (HDRD) is the product of fats or vegetable oils—alone or blended with petroleum—that have been refined in an oil refinery. HDRD produced in this manner is sometimes called a "second-generation biodiesel."

HDRD as an Alternative Fuel

Although largely unproven, it is expected that HDRD will substitute directly for or blend in any proportion with petroleum-based diesel, without modification to vehicle engines or fueling infrastructure.

HDRD's ultra-low sulfur content and high cetane number (a measure of the combustion quality of diesel fuel) likely will provide vehicle performance and emissions benefits. HDRD is not widely available at present, but it is likely to become fully commercialized in the near future. A number of producers have commercial trials underway. Gasoline can be produced using a similar refining process, but this process is in an earlier stage of development.