AUTONEWS

ECO Diesel: the fuel that marks the energy transition

The Paris Agreement is objective: the international community must provide a global and effective response to the urgent need to halt the increase in the global average temperature, resolving the challenges linked to climate change. Still, the planet continues to deplete its natural resources and Portugal is no exception. But how to stop the increase in temperature? The challenge is difficult, but not impossible. It is up to each of us – as citizens and companies – to do our part.

Towards decarbonization...The energy transition path is as complex as it is necessary. And the transport and mobility sectors play a central role in this path. We must, however, be realistic: it is not possible, in the short term, to ask all citizens or companies to have an electric means of transport. It is important to have more than one solution to help us on this path towards decarbonization. The energy transition only happens if we have several solutions. It is in this sense that PRIO, whose DNA is aligned with the global climate agenda, decided to act as an agent of change. Therefore, to carry out an energy transition that is more accessible to everyone, PRIO has sought to innovate, exploring new paths.

It is in the PRIO Novas Energias complex, in Gafanha da Nazaré, in Aveiro, that the brand has ventured into this search for new solutions. The most recent to reach consumers, after having already been extensively tested in light and heavy goods fleets, is the new ECO Diesel, a premium, more efficient and ecological fuel.

Developed with E2 Tech technology, PRIO's ECO Diesel was tested in detail over three years by numerous independent entities and laboratories, using reference engines in conditions very close to the real environment. To test performance, several tests were carried out, from the laboratory design phase to commercialization and use on the road. The product, which is produced in accordance with European standards and Portuguese legislation, has clear advantages, both for the consumer and for the planet:

-It's more environmentally friendly. Compared to diesel, ECO Diesel incorporates 15% renewable energy and emits up to 18% less greenhouse gases, both during production and during vehicle use.

-It has more performance. With more efficient combustion, it allows you to cover more kilometers with a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 5%.

-Provides greater protection to the engine. With greater cleaning and protection power, ECO Diesel eliminates impurities accumulated in the engine, reducing maintenance costs in the medium to long term.

Innovation and responsibility...But, after all, which company is this that is revolutionizing the energy transition in transport in Portugal? Created in 2006, PRIO is the largest producer of biofuels from waste raw materials in our country, and supplies a network of more than 250 service stations, from North to South of Portugal. It was born with a well-defined purpose: to contribute to the circular economy and offer greener solutions in the fuel market. Its first generation factory opened in 2006, in Aveiro, to process rapeseed and soybean oils, taking a leap forward in 2013, when it began to transform used cooking oil into energy. With investment in development and innovation as its premise, in 2019 the company made a major investment in improving technological processes, allowing it to work with waste raw materials that would otherwise be discarded, transforming them into useful energy. Currently, PRIO's tank park has an installed capacity of 100 million liters of fuel, with ECO Diesel being able to allocate up to 70% of the capacity. This new product is accredited by several national and international laboratories, during the various phases of the production process.

How is this waste treated?...PRIO suppliers carry out an initial pre-treatment where they remove the main contaminants. At the factory, through chemical processes, the acidity of the waste is reduced to prepare it for the main reaction, thus achieving a high quality final product.

As for storage, there is also an effective environmental concern: today, the factory has an installation of photovoltaic panels that produce enough energy to replace 10% of external energy consumption. In addition to this installation, they are also finalizing the placement of more flexible photovoltaic panels on the walls and ceilings of raw material and final product tanks, thus doubling self-consumption.

Regarding concerns about water consumption, the factory has a desalination unit that reduces the need to capture fresh water. Furthermore, all biodiesel is washed with water recovered from the glycerin dehydration process, with this water running in a closed cycle. Internal projects for the reuse of wastewater are also underway.

PRR supports new projects...The Recovery and Resilience Plan will support new decarbonization projects with regard to research, introduction of new technologies and resource training. The project also includes the conversion of a current gas boiler to use biomethane. In this way, PRIO will have even more ability to produce greener energy and add value to society.

The decarbonization of the sector is urgent and PRIO is proud to be part of the change. And the brand knows that it is not alone in this ambition. Are we all going to do our part in this energy transition challenge?

Mundoquatrorodas