With the global shift towards more sustainable practices, the agricultural sector is looking to cleaner fuel alternatives. One of the forefront solutions that Valtra has been using for many years is Neste MY Renewable Diesel. But what is renewable diesel and how can it benefit farmers? Mats Hultman, Head of OEM Partnerships at Neste, a global pioneering provider of renewable diesel, shares some insights on this climate-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
A Cleaner Fuel for Farming
Mats explains that renewable diesel (also known as HVO 100), is a clean-burning fuel made from renewable, waste-based raw materials. Unlike traditional fuels, Neste MY Renewable Diesel does not introduce new CO2 into the atmosphere; instead, it cycles existing carbon dioxide. This process not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions by an impressive 75 or up to 95% on average* but also leverages otherwise waste materials.
The Benefits of Renewable Diesel for Farmers
Compared to fossil fuels, renewable diesel is a far superior option in terms of environmental impact. It is chemically similar to conventional fossil diesel, only without the other harmful components. Hultman explains, “If you look at the chemical composition, renewable diesel or HVO 100 is basically a chemical copy of the fossil diesel, but it has no aromatics. And aromatics are bad for you. They're carcinogenic and they cause smoke and so on. So it's positive not to have those aromatics. You could say that Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a premium product”.
Unlike biodiesel, which can be complicated to use given its tendency to cause growth in tanks and filter clogs, Neste MY Renewable Diesel can be used as a direct “drop-in” fuel for any diesel engine. Especially for farmers with older equipment, transitioning to Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a simple ‘plug and play’ solution.
Flexibility and Accessibility
Is renewable diesel a feasible switch for farmers? The answer is a firm yes. Mats emphasises that Neste MY Renewable Diesel is fully compatible with all diesel engines and mixes well with fossil diesel, providing significant flexibility. What's more, no special infrastructure investment is required. Farmers can use their existing tanks for storing renewable diesel. Neste offers a straightforward process for sourcing Neste MY Renewable Diesel, through direct supply in the Baltic countries and Finland, or via distribution partners elsewhere. Simply fill up the tank with Neste MY Renewable Diesel, and you're good to go!
A Commitment to Sustainability
As we face the urgency of climate change, all sectors, including agriculture, must find ways to reduce their environmental impact. Neste MY Renewable Diesel provides an immediate and effective solution that doesn't require massive investment or change. By incorporating Neste MY Renewable Diesel into daily operations, farmers can make a considerable difference in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation.
Accessing New Markets
Consumers are increasingly turned on to making environmentally ethical purchase decisions. The increased assurance buying from a reputable scheme can attract a premium for produce. Finnish cereal farmer Tommy Antill receives €35 more per tonne of rye he produces, growing with Lantmännen's Climate and Nature Programme. He uses Neste MY Renewable Diesel to grow his rye more sustainably. “The better price paid for the grain also influenced my decision. The extra price will at least help me pay for the increased costs," says Antill. Read Tommy Antill’s full Valtra customer testimonial here: Growing Rye With Renewable Diesel And Valtra Tractors.
To find out more about the benefits of using Neste MY Renewable Diesel in your Valtra tractor (new or old), watch the full video here:
Find your nearest supplier of Neste My Renewable Diesel by heading to neste.com, selecting your region from the top right-hand side, and navigating to Products and Innovation and Neste MY Renewable Diesel.
