Iowa leaders celebrate new B99 biodiesel pump for fleets

Photo: Iowa Renewable Fuels Association

Pilot Travel Centers, PepsiCo and Optimus Technologies held a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 29 to celebrate the installation of a new B99 biodiesel pump at Pilot’s Urbandale travel center.

Optimus Technologies has developed a fuel system to run on B99 versus standard No. 2 diesel to help large transportation companies like PepsiCo meet their low-carbon goals.

PepsiCo has converted 20 semitrucks to Optimus’ engine technology and plans to use the Urbandale Pilot truck location to refuel the fleet.

B99 is a blend of 99 percent biodiesel and 1 percent diesel.

Photo: Iowa Renewable Fuels Association

“The launch of this B99 pump is a major step forward in making cleaner fuels a reality for commercial fleets,” said Lisa Coffelt, marketing director for the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

“This project supports Iowa’s farmers, strengthens our biofuels industry, and helps companies take meaningful steps toward their sustainability goals,” Coffelt added.

The Iowa Soybean Association and the Iowa Biodiesel Board also contributed to the project.

This location will be the first above-ground B99 installation in the United States, according to IRFA.

This effort showcases the practical, scalable adoption of high-blend biodiesel in real-world fleet operations.

“With Iowa leading the way as the first state to implement an incentive for B30 and higher blends, the launch of this pump demonstrates bold progress in renewable fuels and a model for other states to follow,” IRFA stated.