Australian Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen has approved a Paraffinic Diesel Standard package enabling the supply of paraffinic diesel in Australia.
The Fuel Quality Standards (Paraffinic Diesel) Determination 2025, which received Ministerial approval on February 16, defines paraffinic diesel as a fuel that consists of a minimum of 95 per cent paraffinic (alkane) hydrocarbons before any blending with biodiesel; and is suitable for use as a substitute for conventional diesel.
Any biodiesel component of paraffinic diesel must meet the requirements of section 6 of the Fuel Quality Standards (Biodiesel) Determination 2025, also effective February 16, which defines biodiesel as “a diesel fuel obtained by esterification of oil derived from plants or animals”.
Additionally, the Paraffinic Diesel Determination requires service stations to clearly label fuel any fuel pump dispensing paraffinic diesel, including the percentage contained, plus instructions “To ensure compatibility with your engine, consult your engine manufacturer.”
Neste, which claims to be the world’s leading supplier of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel, says the determination paves the way for its MY Renewable Diesel to be used in “neat form” (HVO100) to support the decarbonisation of heavy transport in Australia.