Star Oilco, an oil and fuel service provider in Oregon, is reducing its carbon emissions by utilizing the Vector System, Optimus Technologies’ biodiesel fuel technology, in five Class 8 fuel distribution trucks with weight ratings up to 105,000 pounds.
According to Optimus, Vector is a bolt-on engine upgrade that allows heavy-duty diesel trucks to operate on 100% pure, sustainable, and renewable biodiesel fuel (B100) to achieve near-zero carbon emissions.
The Vector System is EPA compliant and works with medium- and heavy-duty vehicles operating in harsh environments and sub-zero temperatures, the company said. The bolt-on technology is available as an upgrade to existing trucks, and on new truck purchases via ship-through agreements.
The system enables fleets to accelerate the achievement of carbon-reduction goals, such as those outlined in Oregon’s Executive Order 20-04 (EO 20-04), introduced by Gov. Kate Brown in March. EO 20-04 directs the state to take action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and states that, “emissions from the transportation sector are the single largest source of GHG emissions in Oregon.” To protect the public health, safety, and economic vitality of the State of Oregon, the goal of EO 20-04 is to facilitate reducing GHG emissions in Oregon to at least 80% below 1990 emissions level by 2050.
As one of the largest haulers of biodiesel in Oregon, Star Oilco says it is committed to sustainability.
“Over the last 85 years, we’ve been passionate and committed to the future of fuel,” said Mark Fitz, owner of Star Oilco. “We wanted to provide low-carbon solutions to fleets today who are wrestling with de-carbonization, offering the Pacific Northwest fuels that are better for our environment, economy, and diesel equipment.
“Twenty years ago, we pioneered biodiesel being available in Oregon and Washington, and we are ecstatic to get back to running B100 in our own trucks. It just makes sense.”
By implementing the Vector System in its distribution trucks, Star Oilco is exceeding the 2050 GHG emission reduction targets today, Optimus said. Waiting until 2050 to address carbon emissions in heavy-duty vehicles could result in 29 years’ worth of additional greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere.
Not content to wait on the commercial viability of electrification or hydrogen in heavy-duty applications, Star Oilco is leading the charge toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Typically derived from recycled cooking oils and waste fats, as well as agricultural byproducts, 100% biodiesel achieves net-zero carbon emissions due to the biogenic sources from which it is refined. Biodiesel is the nation’s first domestically produced and commercially available advanced biofuel, and provides engine, environmental, and economic benefits, Optimus maintained.
The biodiesel fuel being used and distributed by Star Oilco is locally produced by Renewable Energy Group at its biorefinery in Aberdeen, Wash., less than 150 miles from Star Oilco’s location in Portland.
While electrification often is perceived as the best solution for reducing carbon emissions in transportation, the technology is not yet commercially viable to deploy on the scale needed to achieve significant carbon reductions in the trucking sector, the company added. Electric vehicle technology, battery capacity, and long charging times cannot meet the demands of the duty-cycle necessary to efficiently power large vehicles like Star Oilco’s fuel distribution trucks.
Diesel technology is essential for these functions, and utilizing 100% biodiesel allows for the continued use of the core engine technology and existing refueling station infrastructure, while leveraging the carbon savings of a more sustainable fuel.
“Optimus provides near-zero carbon solutions that are available for emission reductions on any diesel engine today,” said Colin Huwler, CEO of Optimus Technologies. “GHG emissions are a significant global challenge that won’t be solved overnight, but setting targets that are 20 to 30 years away doesn’t align with the urgency in which these problems need to be addressed.
“We’re excited to partner with Star Oilco to show that cost-effective solutions exist to reduce carbon emissions immediately. Star Oilco, an 85-year-old, family-owned oil company, is demonstrating they are a leader in the global transition to low-carbon fuels and we’re proud that they have selected our technology to support their efforts.”