In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, Project Flex and FlexOnyx’s innovative approach not only meets current energy demands but also significantly reduces environmental impact. Beyond ULSD, our versatile production capabilities extend to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and naphtha, addressing the growing global demand for cleaner fuels.
Understanding Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel and Its Environmental Significance
Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) is utilized across the United States in on-road vehicles, non-road equipment (agriculture), locomotives, marine vessels, and as heating oil. ULSD is diesel fuel with a sulfur content of 15 parts per million (ppm) or less. This low sulfur content leads to lower emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), which contribute to acid rain and respiratory problems. The transition to ULSD has been a critical step in improving air quality and public health.
The implementation of ULSD has been driven by stringent environmental regulations. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that all highway diesel fuel sold be ULSD. Similarly, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) enforced a global sulfur cap in 2020, reducing the allowable sulfur content in marine fuels from 3.5% to 0.5%, significantly increasing the demand for ULSD in the shipping industry.
Internationally, many countries have adopted ULSD standards to combat air pollution. For instance, the European Union has the Euro V fuel standard, limiting sulfur content in diesel to 10 ppm. In Asia, China has progressively tightened its diesel sulfur limits, aiming for nationwide implementation of 10 ppm. These global efforts underscore the widespread commitment to reducing sulfur emissions and improving environmental health.
In addition to ULSD, FlexOnyx’s production processes yield other valuable fuels:
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): As the aviation industry seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, SAF has become a critical component. Global SAF output is projected to grow from around 1 million tons in 2022 to over 17.5 million tons by 2028, highlighting the increasing demand for cleaner aviation fuels. Jet Fuel made from plastics is a sustainable aviation fuel.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): LPG serves as a versatile energy source for heating, cooking, and as a petrochemical feedstock. In regions like South Africa, LPG consumption has reached half a billion metric tons this year, with projections suggesting continued exponential growth over the next five years.
Naphtha: Naphtha is a key feedstock in petrochemical production, essential for producing plastics and other chemicals. Producing Naphtha from plastics is what is known as plastics circularity.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Waste Management: The FlexFeed™ process reduces landfill use by converting waste plastics into valuable fuels, preventing these materials from sitting in landfills for centuries. Additionally, FlexFeed™ processes other unconventional inputs like refining residues, slurry oils, and even coal, transforming them into valuable products. By using diverse, non-traditional feedstocks, FlexFeed™ minimizes waste, reduces environmental impact, and supports circular economy goals, all while generating profits for sustainable operations.
Diversification of Energy Sources: By incorporating non-conventional feedstocks with our FlexFEED™ process, FlexOnyx contributes to energy security and reduces dependence on imported oil. This diversification is crucial for mitigating the risks associated with fossil fuel supply disruptions.
Reduction in Emissions: Utilizing waste plastics minimizes the carbon footprint associated with fuel production. Converting plastics into fuel creates a circular process that offsets the need for virgin fossil fuels, lowering the overall carbon footprint.
Economic Opportunities: Each FlexOnyx facility will create hundreds of direct jobs and establish a new plastic waste supply chain infrastructure. Producing ULSD, SAF, LPG, and naphtha from waste materials also opens new markets for agricultural and industrial by-products, generating additional revenue streams across sectors and supporting job growth in the renewable energy industry.
FlexOnyx’s Commitment to Sustainability
FlexOnyx is dedicated to continuous improvement in sustainable fuel production. The company will invest in research and development to enhance the efficiency of its processes and expand the range of usable feedstocks. By collaborating with stakeholders across the energy sector, FlexOnyx aims to set new standards for environmental responsibility and innovation.
References
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Diesel Fuel Standards.” Last updated August 23, 2024. Accessed November 11, 2024. https://www.epa.gov/diesel-fuel-standards.
U.S. Energy Information Administration. “Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update.” Last updated November 4, 2024. Accessed November 11, 2024. https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/.
S&P Global Commodity Insights.
“New SAF Process Could Transform Industry.” Alliance for Aviation Across America.
“South Africa poised for LPG gas boom amid electricity price hikes.” Reuters.
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