San Diego airport uses renewable diesel as alternative fuel

San Diego International Airport now uses renewable diesel as an alternative fuel. About 30 percent of all airside diesel vehicles and equipment at SAN are now alternative fuel because of the switch from petroleum diesel to renewable diesel. Renewable diesel can reduce emissions by up to 75 percent or more compared to petroleum diesel. It is used in all diesel-powered airside (non-road) vehicles and equipment, such as baggage tugs, belt loaders, and firefighting vehicles. With the addition of renewable diesel, the total percentage of alternative fuel vehicles and equipment at SAN (including electric, propane, and renewable diesel) is now 64 percent.

Renewable diesel is a sustainable fuel made from vegetable oil, animal fats, and agricultural waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill.  It is chemically identical to fossil fuel-derived diesel, and considered a “drop-in” fuel, meaning no modifications are needed for its storage or to use it in diesel engines.

Renewable diesel fuel is delivered to the airport in a renewable diesel-powered truck and is an initiative within the Airport Authority’s Clean Transportation Plan.