UK biodiesel producer to supply B30 to client

U.K. biodiesel producer Argent Energy has announced that leaflet marketing specialist EAE Ltd. is using its B30 blend of fuel to help reduce carbon emissions. EAE aims to become carbon neutral by 2015.

According to Argent Energy, EAE recently took delivery of seven Citroen Relay vans, which will be fueled with a B30 blend of Argent’s fuel. The firm further plans to switch the rest of its 21-vehicle fleet to B30 by the end of the year, which is projected to offset the emission of 80 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Argent Energy converts used cooking oil and tallow into biodiesel. “Because the raw materials are essentially wastes, the fuel is highly sustainable and is increasingly in demand from businesses keen to reduce their carbon emissions,” said Argent Energy spokeswoman Maria Limonci. The company has an annual production capacity of 50 million liters (13.5 million gallons).

Limonci said that more companies and customers in Europe seem to be open to using higher biodiesel blends, such as B30. While a B7 blend is currently standard in Europe, Limonci noted that there are several reasons that customers are open to using higher blends. “B30 can be used without any vehicle modification and it offers a good combination of ease of use, carbon reduction and the economic benefits that come from improved miles per gallon,” she said.

Limonci also added that demand for biodiesel in the U.K. seems to be growing. “Because our biodiesel is made from tallow and UCO, which are essentially wastes, our fuel is highly sustainable so very attractive to this market,” she said. “But, we also find that quality and consistency is crucial. We produce biodiesel consistent with the European Standard of EN 14214 2008. One of the main ways we achieve this is through our investment in distillation technology. This final step in our production process is unique in the U.K.”