SCANIA WITH B100 BIODIESEL FROM PETRONAS PROVEN RELIABLE IN SHAZIMAN OPERATIONS AND TO REDUCE CO2 EMISSIONS

Scania (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has announced the results of an eight-month pilot project carried out in conjunction with global energy giant Petronas and bulk petroleum transporter Shaziman Transport (STSB) to measure the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated when using B100 biodiesel compared with standard B10 commercial diesel. The results of the project showed a huge 75% reduction in emissions when using B100 biodiesel, offering significant advantages to fleets in terms of sustainability and no difference in vehicle performance when compared to B10.

Gunasekaran A/L Muthu, Maintenance Head, Shaziman Transport Sdn Bhd said, “The pilot test showed that biodiesel offers a low carbon solution which can significantly improve the sustainability of our operation by reducing our carbon emissions. This is a key benefit for operators and for future generations.”

Hardeep Singh Kirpal Singh, Head of Commercial Business, Petronas Dagangan Berhad added that “During the test, B100 fuel performance showed itself to be comparable with B10, with no hiccups or jerking, and with smooth acceleration. There is also no significant difference in terms of maintenance intervals, with Scania recommending intervals of 25,000km if run on B100.”

“Overall, our main objective with these tests has been met, as we have been able to reduce our Scope 1 GHG emissions. Every green initiative, including sustainable or renewable fuel comes with a cost, but for those who are serious about reducing their GHG emissions, using B100 biodiesel is definitely worth it,” he added.

Between August 2023 to March 2024, STSB carried out the project testing the use of B100 biodiesel on four of its Scania P460 6x2 prime movers, each towing a 40,000-litre capacity tanker. The main purpose of the test was to measure GHG emissions generated when using B100 compared to B10 commercial diesel, but the test also looked at fuel efficiency, fuel performance and quality aspects such as acceleration, as well as the impact on vehicle maintenance and driver experience.

The project is part of Scania’s drive to promote the benefits to fleets of using B100 biodiesel as a means of promoting the shift to sustainable transport systems as part of their Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company has been a leading proponent of the argument that biodiesel presents an immediate solution for reducing carbon emissions, and in 2019 Scania became the first commercial vehicle manufacturer to supply all its truck and buses FAME-prepared as standard, with all diesel vehicles sold in Malaysia being capable of running on any blend of biodiesel from B10 to B100.

“Malaysia is one of the world’s largest producers of B100,” commented Scania’s Driving the Shift Director David Lantz. “The pilot project demonstrates the high quality of the fuel and its capacity to reduce global CO2 emissions whilst maintaining and creating local jobs in Malaysia. Using B100 is the fastest option to decarbonise heavy commercial vehicles as its use reduces CO2 emissions by up to 70 % and can be used by vehicles that are already on the road. It also carries the smallest possible technology risk as you can always switch back to regular diesel.”

Considering the additional benefits of switching to B100 biodiesel David Lantz commented: “We expect diesel prices, on average, to increase by 50 per cent, and the subsidies are starting to phase out starting this year. When you take that into consideration as well as current palm oil prices, we estimate the cost premium of running a vehicle on B100 is as low as 5% to 10 % compared to B10 diesel,” he concluded.