TotalEnergies diversifies into biodiesel to cut carbon emissions

TotalEnergies Marketing Kenya Plc has partnered with transport firm Africa Global Logistics (AGL) for the sale of biodiesel as part if its multi-faceted strategy to reduce carbon emissions.

Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable, liquid fuel that’s used to power diesel engines and is produced from renewable sources like vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled cooking grease.

TotalEnergies, which is Kenya’s third largest oil marketing company (OMC) by market share, delivered a first cargo of biodiesel to the logistics firm.

“We are excited to announce our first delivery of Biodiesel to our long-term business partners, Africa Global Logistics (AGL) last month,” announced the company on Monday.

“This marks a significant step towards providing our customers with products and energy solutions that are more affordable, cleaner, more reliable and that are less and less carbon intensive.”

totalenergies marketing kenya plc

TotalEnergies launched a pilot biodiesel project in 2023 as part of its strategy to cut emissions, making it the first oil company in Kenya to do so. It is estimated that biodiesel produces 50% less emissions that ordinary diesel.

The company entered into a partnership with Giloil, a local manufacturer of edible oil and related household consumer products, for manufacture of biodiesel. For optimum performance, the biodiesel is blended with ordinary diesel.

A pilot program, with Biodiesel B100 blend was launched on May 12th, 2023, that utilized FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) biodiesel derived from oilseed crops and used cooking oil.

“Biodiesel helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation by at least 50%, and has no negative impact in the acceleration, braking and safe driving aspects of the vehicle,” stated Giloil Managing Director.

In the pilot project, TotalEnergies sold the biodiesel blended fuel to Dikus, a local transport company. “The success of this pilot at this stage holds promises for the wider adoption of biodiesel, paving the way for a more sustainable future,” the company announced.

Biodiesel is one of biofuels that are gaining popularity worldwide as an alternative or a complement to fossil fuels. Biodiesel is one of a number of liquid biofuels that also include bioethanol, methanol and butanol.

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