OK begins distribution of new Emmelev rapeseed biodiesel

The Danish fuel, oil, and energy company OK has introduced a new sustainable biodiesel into its petrol stations.

The new biodiesel is produced from the residue left over in the production of first generation biodiesel from rapeseed.

Previously, this residue was discarded, but using an enzymatic process it can now be used to manufacture a clean waste-based biodiesel. 

The fuel is supplied by Emmelev, a family-owned company, which is Denmark's only producer of second generation rapeseed diesel. 

‘It is advantageous from both environmental and full fuel lifecycle perspectives to use a biodiesel which utilizes the final production residues that do not have an alternative use as human food or animal feed. In terms of logistics, it is also an advantage that we can get biodiesel from a local Danish manufacturer,’ she continues. 

Since 2011, OK has in the summer months mixed its transport diesel with a second generation biodiesel made ​​from animal waste, supplied by Daka Biodiesel.

‘Waste-based fuels are produced from residual products, and therefore there is obviously only a certain limited amount available in the market. The biodiesel from Emmelev is a very good complement to animal waste-based fuels, especially in the winter, when we have so far had to shelve our second generation biodiesel in favour of a first generation product,’ says Anne Holm.

‘Rapeseed diesel freezes at a lower temperature than animal-based diesel, and therefore we can now use Danish second generation biodiesel even in winter.’ 

The new diesel, available at OK stations in Denmark, was developed by Emmelev in collaboration with the Danish National Advance Technology Foundation, Novozymes, and the Technical University of Denmark, and is recognised as a second generation biofuels by the Danish Energy Agency.