San Diego International Airport begins using renewable diesel for airside equipment

The first shipment of renewable diesel has arrived at San Diego International Airport (SAN), the airport announced April 11.

Renewable diesel can reduce emissions by up to 75 percent or more compared to petroleum diesel.

The sustainable fuel is now being used in all diesel-powered airside (nonroad) vehicles and equipment, such as baggage tugs, belt loaders and firefighting vehicles.

Approximately 30 percent of all airside vehicles and equipment at the airport are now powered by alternative fuels because of the switch from petroleum diesel to renewable diesel.

“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. “We thank our airlines for their cooperation and partnership during this process.”

Scott Carrington, fuel-category manager at Southwest Airlines and chair of the SAN Fuel Company, added, “SAN Fuel Company is proud to partner with San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to bring renewable diesel to San Diego International Airport. 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 a sustainable fuel made from vegetable oil, animal fats and agricultural waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

It is chemically identical to fossil fuel-derived diesel, and it is considered a drop-in fuel, meaning no modifications are needed for its storage or use in diesel engines.

Renewable diesel fuel is delivered to the airport in a truck fueled by renewable diesel and is an initiative within the Airport Authority’s Clean Transportation Plan.