Neste Oil brings new energy to ASFE

ASFE, the Alliance for Synthetic Fuels in Europe, announced 18 March 2009 that Neste Oil has joined its alliance, reinforcing ASFE’s commitment towards promoting alternative fuel options that can significantly reduce impact on the environment and help diversify the EU energy mix.

Launched in March 2006 in Brussels, ASFE is a unique initiative at the European level bringing together leading automotive, technology and fuel supply companies working towards reducing the environmental impact of road transport through improved energy efficiency and cleaner fuels.

Until now, ASFE focused on synthetic fuels produced from biomass (BTL) or natural gas (GTL) feedstock which can be used in existing diesel engines and fuelling infrastructure. These cleaner fuels can significantly contribute to reinforcing Europe’s energy security and reducing pollution in cities. Moreover synthetic fuels made from biomass can help combating global warming as they offer up to 90% CO2 emissions reduction potential when compared with petroleum derived fuels.

Now with Neste Oil’s membership ASFE’s scope has broadened to include hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO), where Neste Oil has proprietary technology and a product in commercial scale production. The HVO fuel currently delivers 40 - 60% GHG reductions compared to conventional diesel, improves local air quality and offers health benefits through significantly lower emissions, similar to GTL and BTL.

Announcing the new member, ASFE said: “ASFE is delighted to welcome Neste Oil to the alliance, with this extension in the scope of our work we demonstrate ASFE’s commitment to promoting fuels which can contribute to sustainable mobility and towards reaching the EU’s energy and climate objectives. Recognised as a leader in environment and energy solutions, Neste Oil brings an invaluable technological experience to the alliance.”

Speaking at the World Biofuels Market, Neste Oil’s Simo Honkanen said: “We are very pleased to become a member of ASFE, an orqanisation which represents companies with leading expertise in technology and a shared view on the importance of resolving the climate and energy challenge. ASFE has a key role in European and global discussions on sound alternative fuel solutions that reduce environmental impacts and improve energy security”.
 

About synthetic and paraffinic fuels

Synthetic fuels are a new generation of near zero sulphur and aromatics, transport fuels made with the Fischer Tropsch process from natural gas (GTL) or biomass (BTL), or through hydrotreatment process from vegetable oils or animal fats (HVO). GTL and HVO are the most commercially advanced fuels and they offer a practical alternative fuel today. A number of plants are being built or planned and product availability is increasing. BTL needs further R&D investment but has the potential to use domestic resources in Europe. Greenhouse gas emissions associated with synthetic fuels derived from natural gas are comparable with transport fuels made from crude oil, while those produced from biomass can contribute to greenhouse gas reductions of up to 90%. As synthetic fuels can be used neat or blended in existing diesel engines, distribution and refuelling infrastructure, they are one of the most cost effective solutions to reducing petroleum dependency. Synthetic fuels can provide significant local air quality improvement by reducing tailpipe emissions (particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons).

About ASFE
Launched in March 2006 in Brussels, the Alliance for Synthetic Fuels in Europe (ASFE) is a unique initiative at the European level bringing together car manufacturers and fuel suppliers working towards reducing the environmental impact of road transport through improved energy efficiency and cleaner fuels. The members of ASFE are: Bosch, Daimler, Neste Oil, Sasol Chevron, Shell, Toyota and Volkswagen.

About Neste Oil
Neste Oil Corporation is a refining and marketing company concentrating on low-emission, high-quality transport fuels. Neste Oil’s refineries are located in Porvoo and Naantali, Finland, and have a combined crude oil refining capacity of approx. 260,000 barrels a day. Neste Oil produces HVO under the trademark “NExBTL”. This renewable diesel is an advanced fuel based on sustainably produced renewable raw materials. NExBTL diesel performs more efficiently and has a lower level of environmental impact than fossil diesel or FAME-type biodiesel. Neste Oil requires its raw material suppliers to observe a responsible approach and to comply with strict sustainability criteria. Feedstock of this type ensures that NExBTL renewable diesel has a 40-60% lower level of greenhouse gas emissions over its entire lifecycle compared to fossil diesel. NExBTL renewable diesel can be blended with conventional diesel fuel or used as such, and it is fully compatible with existing diesel engines and infrastructure.

For further information please contact:   
Nour Amrani, Weber Shandwick (ASFE Secretariat)
Tel: + 32 (0)487 546 322 E-mail: synthetic_fuels@webershandwick.com

Simo Honkanen, Vice President, Neste Oil Corporation
Puh. +358 050 458 4170