DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM
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Contact: Steve Hansen shansen@dieselforum.org 301-668-7230 (o) 443-745-8391 (c) (View this press release online here.) June 5, 2017
U.S. Diesel Market Shows Resilience in 2016 as Passenger Vehicle Registrations Increase by Over 280,000
Texas, California & Florida Highest in Total Diesel Car, SUV & Pickup Trucks While Northeastern States Show Fastest Growth, Led by Vermont, Maine & New Hampshire
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. added more than 280,00 new clean diesel passenger vehicles across the country last year,with Texas, California and Florida having the highest numbers of diesel vehicles, according to a Diesel Technology Forum analysis of the latest Vehicles in Operation (VIO) data compiled by IHS Automotive.
“This level of increase in registrations of new diesel cars, SUVs and light pickup trucks in the U.S. in 2016 is impressive particularly when you consider there were 25 percent fewer choices in the market compared to 2015. It demonstrates the American consumer’s confidence in clean diesel vehicles and what they have to offer – the combination of a proven technology with high fuel efficiency, great driving range and no sacrifices in vehicle capabilities or performance,” said Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum.
Total All Diesel Vehicles 2016 (Cars/SUVS/Light Pickup Trucks/Vans)
(Diesel Technology Forum analysis based on IHS Automotive 2016 vehicles in operation data, December 2016)
For an infographic on the U.S. 2016 clean diesel vehicle registrations go to: http://www.dieselforum.org/
“The 2016 increase in diesel registrations was due to the expanding popularity and increasing number of choices in the light duty pickup market. This more than offset the slight decrease in diesel car registrations due to the drop-in number of choices available. Solid performances from both new and existing SUV and luxury sedans continue to demonstrate the utility of diesel engines in these segments,” Schaeffer said.
Three Northeastern states had the highest percentage of new diesel car and SUV registrations in 2016 led by Vermont (+35%), Maine (+29%) and New Hampshire (+12%).
Fastest Growth Diesel Cars & SUVS 2015-16
(Diesel Technology Forum analysis based on IHS Automotive 2016 vehicles in operation data, December 2016)
For additional data on diesel car, SUV and pickup truck registrations in 2016 go to:
New Diesels Coming to U.S. Provide Optimism for 2017 & 2018 Growth “We’re extremely optimistic about the U.S. diesel market this year and 2018 because of the introduction of new diesels like the 52 mpg (highway) Chevy Cruze Diesel, the Ford F-150 diesel pickup, along with the Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV-D SUV diesel and the Chevy Equinox diesel. All of these new diesels will complement existing strongholds or fill voids in the marketplace for affordable, proven and fuel-efficient technologies,” Schaeffer said.
The analysis is based on 2016 data of vehicles in operation (VIO) that were compiled by IHS Automotive in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through December 31, 2016. The analysis reviewed VIO data for passenger vehicles defined as cars, SUVS, light pickup trucks, heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans. The Diesel Technology Forum used the VIO data to calculate the top states in registrations and the percentages of diesel and hybrid registrations in each state. The analysis also compared 2016 to 2015 data.
8 Million Diesel Passenger Vehicles Now in the U.S. The number of diesel car, SUV, full-size pickup trucks and vans in operation reached 8 million in 2016 – an increase of 280,000 over 2015. Schaeffer also noted that the data showed that diesel passenger vehicles continued to outnumber hybrid vehicles in all states except California, Massachusetts and the District of Columbia.
Highlights
(To see last year’s Top 10 lists go to: http://dieselforum.org/news/
Connect with the Diesel Technology Forum For the latest insights and information from the leaders in clean diesel technology, join us on Facebook, follow us onTwitter @DieselTechForum, or YouTube @DieselTechForum and connect with us on LinkedIn. Get it all by subscribing to our newsletter Diesel Direct for a weekly wrap-up of clean diesel news, policy analysis and more direct to your inbox.
ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit national organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. For more information visit www.dieselforum.org. # # # |
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Diesel Technology Forum Statement On new study on “Impacts and mitigation of excess diesel-related NOx emissions in 11 major vehicle markets” in the journal Nature
Washington, D.C. – Improved “real-world” vehicle testing standards and increased adoption of new diesel technology to replace older diesels would play a major role in helping to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, according to Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum.
Schaeffer made his comments in response to a new study’s findings that diesel vehicles emitted higher amounts of NOx in real world driving conditions than in current laboratory certification testing.
“Diesel engine, truck and equipment makers today produce diesel engines that are certified by various government agencies to achieve near-zero levels for emissions of both nitrogen oxides and particulate matter,” Schaeffer said. “Emissions certification tests conducted in laboratory settings are the standard established by government, and have always been recognized as an imperfect measure, but it is the governing system. Laboratory tests are not designed to replicate all real-world conditions that a vehicle and driver may encounter or create. It is common knowledge that manufacturers and regulators in the E.U. and the U.S. have been working together to develop more representative tests for in use vehicle and engine performance, and that work is ongoing.
“The primary sources of NOx emissions on a global basis are not diesel engines. The portion of nitrogen oxide emissions – the primary focus of this study – attributed to on road diesel engines makes up less than 20 percent of all global NOx emissions. Emissions inventories are themselves estimates, and subject to wide ranges of uncertainty of the fleet composition and operating characteristics. The contribution of NOx emissions to ozone formation itself is influenced by constantly changing meteorological conditions and other factors. The accuracy to which one can project benefits or impacts foreword three decades or more based on many assumptions and models, each with its own uncertainty, seems questionable.
“Industry would certainly welcome the investment in new technology clean diesel engines on a global basis. Essential to that would be the availability of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. It’s important to understand that diesel has been a technology of continuous improvement, meaning that today’s generation of new diesel technology is lower in emissions and more efficient than one built 10 or even five years ago. Older technology engines met the standards in place at the time, and as this study points out, standards have become progressively more stringent. Some study areas find that diesel engine popularity in the marketplace grew very fast while the adoption of new emissions control requirements and emissions reducing technology development were taking longer to implement.
“In the U.S., new technology diesel trucks and buses have reduced NOx emissions by more than 95 percent compared to older models. Today, it would take 60 new diesel trucks to equal the same emissions from one pre-1988 truck.
“NOx emissions are just one of several contributors to air pollution, including ground level ozone. There are many sources of NOx emissions, including power plants, industrial activity and mobile sources like cars, trucks and off-road equipment. According to U.S. EPA, emissions of oxides of nitrogen have fallen by 61 percent since 1980. In 2016 U.S. EPA reviewed the current NO2 national ambient air quality standards and in its policy assessment, recommended that no changes to the health-protective standard are needed as existing control measures continue to contribute to declining NO2 emissions,” Schaeffer said.
Connect with the Diesel Technology Forum For the latest insights and information from the leaders in clean diesel technology, join us on Facebook, follow us onTwitter @DieselTechForum, or YouTube @DieselTechForum and connect with us on LinkedIn. Get it all by subscribing to our newsletter Diesel Direct for a weekly wrap-up of clean diesel news, policy analysis and more direct to your inbox.
ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. For more information visit www.dieselforum.org. # # # |
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Steve Hansen
February 10, 2017
More Clean Air for the Dollar: Clean Diesel Projects Best Choice for Use of VW Settlement Dollars
Near-Zero Diesel Engines Most Cost-Effective Solution for Reducing NOx
Washington, D.C. – Clean diesel technology is the best choice for mitigating NOx emissions in the U.S. as part of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust, according to the nonprofit education association Diesel Technology Forum.
In a presentation at the “2017 Energy Policy Outlook Conference” hosted by the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), Ezra Finkin, the Policy Director for the Diesel Technology Forum, highlighted why clean diesel technology is the best and most cost-effective choice for the immediate mitigation of NOx emissions.
“As states develop spending plans for their portion of the $2.7 million Environmental Mitigation Trust, replacing or upgrading the oldest and largest engines with clean diesel technology is the fastest and most proven way to reduce NOx emissions and achieve the objectives of the settlement,” Finkin said.
The $14.7 billion settlement reached between VW, the Attorney General, and the Department of Justice includes the Environmental Mitigation Trust designed to repower or replace older heavy-duty vehicles and equipment with new technology to reduce NOx emissions. Public and private fleet vehicles are eligible for funding under the program.
Near-Zero Diesel Engines Most Cost-Effective Way to Achieve Settlement Goals “New clean diesel engines are near-zero in NOx emissions and are the most cost effective solution in reducing emissions to meet the specific goals established in the Trust,” said Finkin. “For a fixed investment, more NOx can be reduced through investments in clean diesel technology than any other alternative, including natural gas and all-electric applications.
“A collateral benefit for many of these engine upgrades is immediate reductions in particulate emissions, greater fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. While not primary objectives of the settlement, policymakers should take into consideration these additional and immediate benefits from the clean diesel options.”
To view the “Want Cleaner Air Today” infographic go here or: http://www.dieselforum. New Diesels Can Reduce One Ton of NOx for as Little As a $13,000 Investment A recent report issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation confirms that one ton of NOx emission reductions can be achieved by investing between $13,000 to $77,000 in a new diesel engine in a variety of commercial vehicles. Contrastingly, one ton of NOx emissions can be achieved by an investment in $1.4 million in electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
“While investments in diesel technology are more cost-effective, these investments do not rely on costly and sometimes non-existent fueling infrastructure,” said Finkin.
“The biggest and fastest clean air benefits for many communities would come from replacing the biggest and oldest engines,” said Finkin. “According to a recent report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, replacing engines that power locomotives, tug boats and ferries deliver enormous clean air benefits. Replacing a single pre-2000 model year tug boat engine with a new clean diesel model that meets the strict near-zero NOx emissions standard (Tier 4) will remove 96,000 lbs. of emissions. That is equivalent to replacing 74,000 gasoline passenger cars with all-electric models.
“States looking to minimize administrative burdens of the Trust will recognize the inherent efficiencies of managing a few large engine or heavy-duty truck projects compared to what could be hundreds of projects to achieve the same emissions reductions,” said Finkin.
Connect with DTF For the latest insights and information from the leaders in clean diesel technology, join us on Facebook, follow us onTwitter @DieselTechForum, or YouTube @DieselTechForum and connect with us on LinkedIn.
ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. For more information visit www.dieselforum.org. # # # |
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Les maires de Paris, Madrid, Athènes et Mexico vacillent ; les pays africains font ce qu’il faut en termes de politiques visant à assainir l’air avec une technologie et un carburant diesel plus propres Dec 08, 2016, 08:30 ET vscript language=”javascript1.2″ src=”http://www.prnewswire. < j WASHINGTON, 8 décembre 2016 /PRNewswire/ — La semaine dernière, les maires de quatre villes – Paris, Madrid, Mexico et Athènes – ont annoncé qu’ils s’étaient engagés à éliminer les véhicules diesel de leurs villes d’ici 2025. La semaine dernière, cinq pays africains – le Ghana, la Côte d’Ivoire, le Togo, le Nigeria et le Bénin – ont annoncé qu’ils allaient rejeter les expéditions de diesel à forte teneur en soufre en provenance d’Europe et ont demandé à recevoir le diesel plus propre qui est disponible dans de nombreuses autres régions du monde. Allen Schaeffer, directeur exécutif du Diesel Technology Forum (États-Unis), a fait la déclaration suivante aujourd’hui en ce qui concerne ces développements : « L’engagement des quatre maires à interdire le diesel ou toute autre technologie peut faire un bon titre mais ne constitue pas une bonne politique publique. Elle va à l’encontre du choix populaire des consommateurs, risque d’empirer la qualité de l’air, et rendra probablement les objectifs de la lutte contre le changement climatique encore plus difficiles à atteindre. « En revanche, les cinq pays africains qui reconnaissent l’occasion d’importer une technologie plus propre et le besoin qui existe pour un carburant à ultra faible teneur de soufre, vont aller de l’avant. Aux États-Unis, le diesel plus propre et de nouveaux moteurs diesel produisent désormais des émissions proches de zéro et sont une partie importante de la stratégie visant à assainir l’air et réduire les émissions de gaz à effet de serre. La nouvelle technologie diesel répond également aux besoins importants des consommateurs en termes d’économie en carburant, sans sacrifier la performance ou la mobilité des véhicules. Le diesel plus propre et les moteurs modernes favorisent la pureté de l’air « Toutes les sources d’émissions, y compris les véhicules, les sources stationnaires et industrielles, contribuent au défi de toutes les zones métropolitaines et de tous les pays en matière d’émissions. Au lieu de cerner un seul carburant et une seule technologie, les dirigeants des villes devraient poursuivre une approche holistique accélérant le retrait des véhicules plus anciens et fortement polluants, indépendamment du type de carburant. « En France, en Espagne et en Grèce, les voitures diesel représentent plus de 50 % de toutes les immatriculations automobiles, reflétant les préférences des conducteurs français, espagnols et grecs. Leur refuser la possibilité de choisir le véhicule de leur choix, y compris les technologies diesel les plus propres sur le marché, est une politique mal conçue qui manque de vision. Véhicules diesel requis pour atteindre les objectifs de CO2 européens « Les technologies telles que les véhicules électriques ou à hydrogène pourront fournir un jour de nouvelles options aux consommateurs mais il est peu probable qu’elles soient disponibles dans les délais et à l’échelle que ces villes doivent atteindre pour réaliser des réductions continues de CO2. Les encombrements de la circulation causent des problèmes d’émissions dans les villes plus anciennes et plus densément peuplées Le retard des politiques sur le carburant diesel plus propre inhibe le progrès Les pays africains font ce qui s’impose en réclamant un carburant diesel plus propre À PROPOS DU DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM Expert disponible sur le sujet : Pour plus d’information sur l’expert répertorié, cliquer sur le lien approprié. Logo – http://photos.prnewswire. SOURCE Diesel Technology Forum Related Links |
(View this press release online here.) July 22, 2016
New Clean Diesel Cars and Light Trucks to Help U.S. Achieve Greenhouse Gas Reductions, Fuel Economy Improvements
Washington, D.C. – Advancements in emissions control technology in clean diesel passenger cars and light duty pickup trucks will have a positive effect on efforts to reduce future Greenhouse Gas Emissions, according to the federal government’s newly-released Draft Technical Assessment Report (TAR).
On July 18, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the California Air Resource Board (CARB) released the mid-term evaluation of the National Program for greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy standards for light duty cars and trucks. The Draft TAR, which covers vehicle model years 2022-2025, confirms that automotive manufacturers are introducing new technology to market at a rapid pace, andpredicts that the MY 2022-2025 standards are achievable with a wide range of technologies.
“We’re extremely pleased that EPA, DOT and CARB recognize at this time especially the Greenhouse Gas emissions improvements in new and future clean diesel technology and fuels,” said Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum. “Automakers and engine manufacturers have invested billions of dollars in diesel research and development to significantly improve the fuel efficiency and emissions from modern diesel vehicles.
“And while the Draft TAR specifically highlights advanced gasoline vehicles as being the primary source for achieving future fuel efficiency levels, we believe that new clean diesel engines will also play a key role in reaching the 2025 mileage goals.
“Achieving the increased fuel economy standards is going to be difficult. This is a tremendous challenge for the industry.
“However, today clean diesel cars average about 30 percent better fuel economy than their gasoline counterparts. In the light duty truck sector, new clean diesel pickups are achieving higher mpg levels and for the first time a diesel pickup truck has reached the 30 mpg highway level.
“And as additional high-mileage clean diesel cars and pickup trucks are introduced in the U.S. we anticipate the diesel market to increase as will diesel’s role in helping achieve the future fuel efficiency standards.”
The Draft TAR states that diesel engines are continuing to evolve using technologies similar to those being introduced in new light-duty gasoline engines and heavy-duty diesel truck engines, including the use of: – Advanced friction reduction measures – Increased turbocharger boosting and engine downsizing – Engine “downspeeding” – The use of advanced cooled EGR systems – The improved integration of charge air cooling into the air intake system – And the improved integration of exhaust emissions control systems for criteria pollutant control.
According to the Draft TAR, the best Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE)—a measure of energy efficiency — of advanced diesel engines under development for light duty applications is now 46 percent and thus is approaching that of heavy-duty diesel truck engines. In contrast, gasoline engines today achieve around 37 percent.
The draft report also summarizes the results of commissioned research surveying auto reviews of advanced fuel economy technologies. Three-out-of-four auto writers and auto analysts report a favorable rating for diesel technology concerning consumer acceptance, which was among the highest rated powertrains.
Connect with the Diesel Technology Forum For the latest insights and information from the leaders in clean diesel technology, join us on Facebook, follow us onTwitter @DieselTechForum, or YouTube @DieselTechForum and connect with us on LinkedIn. Get it all by subscribing to our newsletter Diesel Direct for a weekly wrap-up of clean diesel news, policy analysis and more direct to your inbox.
ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. For more information visit www.dieselforum.org. # # # |
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Statement of the Diesel Technology Forum Washington, D.C. – Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum, issued the following statement today regarding the announcements by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies, private plaintiffs and 44 U.S. Attorney Generals regarding the settlement with Volkswagen. The $2.7 billion mitigation trust established through the settlement will reduce excess emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx). “Today, the most proven, available opportunity for mitigating excess emissions of NOx comes from the accelerated turnover of older heavy-duty trucks, buses and off-road machines and equipment to newer technology clean diesel models. The newest generation tractor-trailer sized trucks have 95 percent fewer emissions of NOx compared to models built before 2010 while a 2014 model year large construction machine – such as an excavator- yields a 99 percent reduction in NOx emissions relative to a previous generation of equipment. “A commercial Class 8 truck manufactured since 2010 typically traveling 125,000 miles per year would save 875 gallons of fuel and reduce NOx emissions by 1.1 metric tonnes compared to older models. In addition to the proven clean air benefits, the new technology clean diesel engine would save the trucker $2,400 annually (at fuel prices of $2.75 per gallon), and result in 8.9 fewer metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. “Nationwide, from 2011 to 2015, compared to pre-2010 engines, new technology heavy-duty clean diesel engines that power commercial vehicles have removed approximately 7.5 million tonnes of NOx, according to a recent study by the Martec Group for the Diesel Technology Forum. These savings are equivalent to the NOx emissions from all light-duty vehicles generated over a two-year period. In addition, the CO2 savings are equivalent to removing 6.1 million light-duty vehicles from the road for an entire year. “The rate of adoption of the newest technology clean diesel truck engines is progressing well but ultimately depend on economic and business conditions. As of the end of 2015, about one-quarter of all commercial vehicles (GVW 3-8) on the road are the newest generation (2011 model year and newer) clean diesel technology vehicles, according to Diesel Technology Forum analysis based on IHS Automotive 2015 vehicles in operation data, December 2015. Accelerating the turnover to the new technology clean diesel engines will achieve substantial NOx reductions. Significant air quality benefits will accrue to communities across the country if more of these older commercial vehicles are replaced with new or newer diesel engines. “The settlement also provides some portion of the mitigation funding for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program for eligible projects that encourages the owners of older vehicles and equipment to purchase new or replace older engines with newer technology. The DERA program has a proven record of successfully modernizing and upgrading older vehicles engines and equipment in communities across the country. “In its most recent report to Congress, EPA stated that the DERA program has achieved NOx reductions of 335,000 tonnes since funding was appropriated in 2008. These emissions are equivalent to removing the emissions from every residential furnace and boiler in the U.S. for one year. “The diesel engine is the most energy efficient internal combustion engine. It is a proven technology and its unique combination of efficiency, power, reliability, performance, low-emissions and suitability for using renewable fuels ensures a place for diesel technology to help meet the demands of a global economy. “Consumers will continue to find the new generation of clean diesel cars, trucks and SUVs a competitive choice to meet their personal transportation needs, and clean diesel technology is a key strategy to achieving current and future energy and climate goals.” Connect with the Diesel Technology Forum ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM |
Earth Day 2016 – A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words“The future is more than having clean tailpipe emissions. It’s all about improving efficiency, using more renewables and lowering CO2 – the sweet spot for clean diesel.” Washington, D.C. – The following is an Earth Day statement from Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum. Diesel Technology Forummembers are global leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. A Picture Is Worth a Thousand WordsAs the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. What picture comes to mind on Earth Day? The glowing NASA space view of our planet earth held in giant hands? A simple tree, an environmental scene, a glass of clear water or an iconic blue sky with white puffy clouds? Pictures inspire us every day, but on Earth Day the imagery tells a bigger story. In our case, a white handkerchief fluttering in the exhaust stream of a new heavy-duty diesel truck under acceleration paints a vivid picture of where we are today. A scientific validation of diesel’s near-zero emissions? No, but for a technology that was long defined as dirty with very visible black smoke emissions, this image symbolically represents just how far we’ve come. In every sector and application of equipment new technology diesel engines are now near-zero in emissions. From farm tractors to tractor trailers; from backhoes to workboats; from engines less than 25 horsepower (hp) to engines over 1,000hp. Clean diesel technology is here, and improving our environment today. The combination of cleaner diesel fuel, advanced fuel injection and turbocharging, emissions control systems like particulate filters and catalysts to selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems define the new generation of clean diesel. Over 95 percent reductions in emissions of particulates and oxides of nitrogen. It is now a clean and proven system, and all new technology engines wear this near-zero emissions very well. Today over 40 percent of the commercial heavy-duty truck fleet on the road sports a new technology clean diesel engine, with near zero particulate emissions. Of that, about 25 percent are newer than 2010 with even more technology that reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides to near zero levels. New technology is making a difference. The American Lung Association, in its 2016 State of the Air Report notes that the best progress came in reducing year-round levels of particle pollution . . . thanks to the cleanup of coal-fired power plants and retirement of older diesel engines. For some, this Earth Day may be more uncomfortable than others. Decisions made about emissions compliance by one diesel car manufacturer and tampering with emissions controls to generate black-smoke by a few owners of diesel pickup trucks have been in the news. These both raise serious questions about the choices made, but not about clean diesel technology. Looking forward, the future is more than having clean tailpipe emissions. Having low emissions is the ticket to get you in the door. What happens next is up to all of us. The future is all about energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It’s about using more renewable energy and fuels. It’s also about making sure our economy works. It’s pushing the envelope of energy innovation while embracing the essential availability and provision of power to meet the needs today. It’s a space that diesel engines immediately feel comfortable and ready to deliver. Being the most energy-efficient internal combustion engine, the diesel is often imitated but never duplicated. The energy density of the fuel and the efficiency of the combustion have made the diesel a viable technology for over 120 years. If your iPhone were powered by diesel, you’d be powered for 10 days instead of the one day on lithium ion batteries. But it’s what happening today with diesel technology that is opening new doors to new possibilities that is so exciting. Big data is driving some developments. Bringing fuel and emissions efficiency beyond the engine scale to the machine and jobsite or farm-site scale involves everything from integrating GPS and drone technology to diesel engines talking to each other. When tractor trailers followed each other closely in the past it was called a convoy; today it is called platooning. Trucks talk to each other and take inputs and determine speeds to optimize efficiency and lower emissions. Under the hood of all of this has to be the most reliable and proven fuel efficient technology, the diesel. What about electricity? Disruption of the electrical power generating and grid system with fuel diversification is well underway. For some parts of the world, power tomorrow might come from a micro-grid that combines solar and wind energy, battery storage and a backup super clean diesel generator as a backstop for when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow. Our demand for electricity is rapidly increasing in the internet age and with it a demand for 100 percent uptime of connected data and communication systems and the internet. Behind every large data center and network is a backstop for the worst case scenario; loss of grid power. When grid power fails, diesel power is there to quickly start up and handle the full load while consumers and businesses stay connected. At the end of the day, what if a diesel engine isn’t even running on diesel fuel, but instead running on 100 percent renewable diesel fuels made from waste oils or other feedstocks? It is the future today for a growing number of fleets in California and other parts of the world. So on this 2016 Earth Day, let’s take a moment to celebrate past progress, admire how far we’ve come, but then roll up our sleeves and know that the challenges will be greater, the expectations higher and that the journey must continue. Connect with DTF ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM |
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New EPA Report to Congress Highlights National Clean Air Benefits of Diesel Emissions Reduction Program
Washington, D.C. – More than 73,000 older diesel powered engines were upgraded or replaced between 2008 to 2013 because of Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) funding which resulted in major clean air benefits and fuel savings, according a new report issued today – “Third Report to Congress: Highlights from the Diesel Emission Reduction Program” – by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “This report confirms the enormous success in achieving air quality benefits by introducing new clean diesel technologies across the spectrum of older on-road vehicles and heavy-duty equipment,” said Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum. “While new diesel technology and fuels have achieved near zero emission levels, DERA is the leading program that upgrades or replaces older diesel engines with newer technology to reduce emissions. “Thanks to the bipartisan work in both the House and Senate, DERA has proven to be a highly effective program that has reduced emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by 335,000 tons. This is nearly equivalent to removing the emissions from every residential furnace and boiler in the U.S. for an entire year.” Report Highlights How DERA Benefits Communities in All 50 States
According to the report, funding provided by DERA between 2008 and 2013:
“These benefits are tangible and show that DERA is benefiting communities in all 50 states with improved air quality,” Schaeffer said. “State and local clean air regulators have relied on DERA funding as a key tool to help move communities toward compliance as new and more stringent clean air requirements for Ozone and PM are set to take effect.” Coalition of Environmental, Health & Industry Groups Support DERA
Since its creation in 2005, DERA has been supported by a bipartisan coalition of several hundred environmental and public health organizations, industry representatives, and state and local government associations including the American Lung Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, Environmental Defense Fund, Union of Concerned Scientists and National School Transportation Association. These groups continue to work together in educating Congress about these benefits and the importance of continued funding for the program. DERA Clean Air Projects Results in 13-1 Benefit-to-Cost Ratio
DERA provides $1 in federal assistance to attract $3 in non-federal matching funds to generate, on average, $13 in environmental and health benefits by helping the owners of older diesel vehicles and equipment retrofit, repower or replace with clean diesel technologies. “The federal share of the DERA funding represents a small share of the total cost of each project to encourage owners to retrofit or replace with new clean technologies,” Schaeffer said. School Bus Grants Highlight DERA Benefits
“Nowhere is the effectiveness of DERA more pronounced than the school bus rebate program,” said Schaeffer. “Interested school bus operators are provided just enough incentive funding to scrap and replace older buses as opposed to selling that older bus on the secondary market. “This new report also highlights the changes to the application process that has substantially reduced administrative costs for EPA and applicants. It’s no surprise that the DERA program receives high marks from lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle.” |
