Rolls-Royce and Neste are to collaborate on the use of sustainable fuels in diesel engines.
Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding the two companies will work together to promote the use of existing internal combustion engines for sustainable fuels, advance the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable fuels, and share knowledge on high-quality renewable diesel (HVO).
Rolls-Royce and Neste are collaborating on the use of sustainable fuels in diesel engines Photo: RR/Neste
Tobias Ostermaier, president of Stationary Power Solutions, within the Rolls-Royce business unit Power Systems, which makes engines under the mtu brand, highlighted the company’s ‘Net Zero at Power Systems’ sustainability programme.
“We have committed to realigning our mtu product portfolio so that by 2030, sustainable fuels and new mtu technologies will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 35 per cent compared to 2019,” he said.
“Our agreement with Neste, the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel, will help us achieve our goals and those of our customers.”
‘Neste MY Renewable Diesel’ is produced from 100% renewable raw materials, which senior vice president Innovations at Neste, Lars Peter Lindfors explained can reduce GHG emissions by as much as 75% to 95% when emissions over the fuel’s life cycle are compared with fossil diesel.
“Companies can reduce their climate emissions significantly in an instant by just changing the fuel,” he said.
Rolls-Royce tests show HVO use significantly reduces CO2, nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions with tests on unmodified engines showing reductions in GHG, particulate emissions and NOx of 90%, 80% and 8% respectively.
Power Systems is gradually releasing its main mtu engine series for sustainable fuels such as HVO and e-diesel for use in other applications such as rail, marine and the construction industry.
