San Diego International Airport (SAN) has received its first shipment of renewable diesel, which is now being used for diesel-powered airside vehicles and equipment, such as baggage tugs, belt loaders and firefighting vehicles.
Renewable diesel is made from vegetable oil, animal fats and agricultural waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill. Its use can reduce emissions by 75 percent or more compared to petroleum diesel.
Scott Carrington, Fuel Category Manager at Southwest Airlines and Chair of the SAN Fuel Company, said:SAN Fuel Company is proud to partner with San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to bring renewable diesel to SAN. This partnership is a great example of collaboration between the airport and its airline business partners and it provides a model for others to replicate.
Renewable diesel is chemically identical to fossil fuel-derived diesel, and can be used without modifying storage containers or diesel engines.
The fuel was delivered to the airport in a renewable diesel-powered truck as part of the airport’s Clean Transportation Plan.
Kimberly Becker, President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, said:San Diego International Airport is thrilled to begin using renewable diesel to reduce the airport’s carbon footprint, improve local air quality, and help meet our sustainability goals. We thank our airlines for their cooperation and partnership during this process.
