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Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Research and Development

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A National Renewable Energy Laboratory study of trucks fueled with ULSD and equipped with advanced emission control technologies showed significant emissions reductions compared with conventionally fueled diesel trucks (PDF 965 KB). Download Adobe Reader.

Research, development, and demonstration activities have improved and verified the benefits of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and advanced emission control technologies. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory published several ULSD research and development reports. The California Air Resources Board and California Energy Commission also publish reports about ULSD and Clean Diesel research and development. A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fact sheet summarizes research and development on the EPA's Clean Diesel Combustion technology (PDF 359 KB). Download Adobe Reader.

Government and industry are working to improve ULSD production as well. See the National Energy Technology Laboratory's Refining and Processing page and its Biodesulfurization Project for examples of this research and development. See the Energy Information Administration's Developing Technologies and Ultra-Low-Sulfur Alternatives to learn about emerging desulfurization technologies.

Also see the AFDC's Biodiesel, Biomass to Liquids, Coal to Liquids, Gas to Liquids, and Hydrogenation-Derived Renewable Diesel pages to learn about research and development on these inherently ultra-low sulfur fuels.