The Diesel Technology Forum in the US has announced that it has met the techological and regulatory needs for manufacturing trucks that emit 90% less carbon emissions than the previous generation of diesel.

The Forum is partner of the Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance.  A range of new clean diesel engines are produced nationwide this year and the Forum believes clean diesel will bring reductions in emissions across a range of applications.  The other applications include trucks and buses, more demand for new fuel, passenger vehicles and construction equipment.

“This new year signals the arrival of a new generation of clean diesel trucks that will fundamentally change the way people think about diesel engine technology in this country,” said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum.

“New clean diesel trucks sold beginning in 2007 will produce 90 percent fewer emissions of particles and significantly lower emissions of nitrogen oxide than trucks built in 2006. The exhaust from these trucks is so clean they even pass the ‘white handkerchief test,’ and more importantly, they will play a key role in helping states and communities around the country meet more stringent clean air goals,” said Schaeffer.

New trucks and buses will be the first to benefit from clean diesel.  Trucks or buses in 2006 already emitted one-eighth the tailpipe exhaust versus those built in 1990 but the new vehicles will be even cleaner.  Experts calculate that 60 trucks built in 2007 will equal the soot emissions of one truck sold in 1988.

The EPA predicts that the new trucks will reduce emissions of smog-forming gases by 2.6 million tonnes annually and cut soot emissions by 110,000 tonnes annually once they fully replace the existing fleet.

The new clean diesel engines come after the introduction of the ULSD fuel, with only 15 ppm sulfur in October 2006.  This is 97% less sulphur than previous fuels.  Clean diesel fuel is vital because sulfur tends to hamper the effectiveness of diesel exhaust-control devices.  However, clean burning fuels like palm biodiesel can be sulphur-free.  Made with renewable sources like palm oil, animal fats and waste products, biodiesel also emits 70% less carbon dioxide compared to regular diesel.

The automative industry also sees a market for passenger Vehicles with clean diesel technology and 20 - 40% percent greater fuel economy expanding.

The EPA first issued emissions regulations for off-road equipment in 1996.  The industry has since progressed so that some equipment emit 80% less than prior versions.  The use of low-sulfur diesel for off-road machines became mandatory in June 1, 2007.  THE END.