San Diego International Airport (SAN) has received the first shipment of renewable diesel for use in all diesel-powered airside vehicles and equipment, such as baggage tugs, belt loaders, and firefighting vehicles.
The airport said that approximately 30% of all airside vehicles and equipment at SAN are now “alternative fuel” because of the switch from petroleum diesel to renewable diesel. Renewable diesel is made from vegetable oil, animal fats, and agricultural waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Chemically identical to fossil fuel-derived diesel, it’s a “drop-in” fuel, meaning no modifications are needed for storage or use in diesel engines.
“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,” said Kimberly Becker, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, which operates SAN. “We thank our airlines for their cooperation and partnership during this process.”
