uncategorized · 7/26/2018

Blauwe Diesel powered by Neste MY helped Elfwegentocht and Dutch fossil-free movement to reduce 1,230,000 kg of CO2 emissions

Persbericht Neste Corporation 26 juli 2018

Neste Corporation press release, 26 July 2018 at 9:00 am (EET)

The recapitulation of the Elfwegentocht event during which the Friesland province in the Netherlands aimed to power its vehicles on fossil-free power sources only, provided several promising insights. Amongst others, the Elfwegentocht event generated high demand for Blauwe Diesel powered by Neste MY, exceeding everyone’s already high expectations. During the two-week campaign, more than 430,000 liters of renewable diesel produced by Neste was sold and distributed by Future Fuels Wholesales throughout the Friesland province in the Northeastern part of the Netherlands. It is estimated that approximately 12,000 people fueled their car with Blauwe Diesel powered by Neste MY during the Elfwegentocht. This resulted in a CO2 reduction of approximately 1,230,000 kg, equal to the amount of emission that 384 average Dutch passenger cars running on diesel would discharge in one year.

The fact that renewable diesel produced by Neste was popular became noticeable particularly during the Elfwegentocht Parade, the largest parade of sustainable cars ever organized in the Netherlands and Europe, in which over 2,000 drivers took part. More than 50% of the participants drove with significantly reduced emissions on Blauwe Diesel powered by Neste MY during the parade.

The Elfwegentocht has ended but its intention of encouraging people to power vehicles with sustainable, low-carbon alternatives, continues. As a result, several participating organizations have indicated that they will make a complete switch to Neste’s renewable diesel.

“It is inspiring for all of us at Neste to support an ambitious commitment towards a fossil-free future. Neste-produced premium-quality renewable diesel, known in the Netherlands as Blauwe Diesel powered by Neste MY, really is one of the most cost-efficient means to make one’s fleet fossil-free and reduce emissions instantly by up to 90% compared to fossil diesel. We are very pleased that many high-profile frontrunner organizations have made a firm commitment to continue maintaining their carbon emissions at a low level with this renewable fuel,” says Peter Zonneveld, Vice President Sales at Neste.

"Incredible how many people are now familiar with and use Blauwe Diesel powered by Neste MY. The Elfwegentocht set many people to think. For two weeks, it was the talk of the day on the street and in the media. Other provinces and municipalities now want fuel stations that sell Blauwe Diesel as well. That was exactly our mission", says Bouwe de Boer, leader of the fossil-free movement Freonen fan Fossylfrij Fryslan.

"Blauwe Diesel powered by Neste MY is the only fossil-free diesel fuel that fits perfectly within the objectives of the Elfwegentocht. Only sustainable raw materials, such as waste and residue fats and oils, are used. The Blauwe Diesel powered by Neste MY is low-carbon and reduces CO2 emissions up to 90% compared to conventional diesel and is thus one of the most sustainable diesel fuels. We are extremely pleased with the results and happy to have been able to take part in this event," says Germ Wiersma, director of Future Fuels Wholesale BV.

Neste Corporation

Kaisa Lipponen

Director, Corporate Communications

Further information:

Peter Zonneveld, Vice President Sales, Neste, email: peter.zonneveld(@)neste.com

Bouwe de Boer, Project leader of the fossil-free movement in Friesland, tel. +31 6 43 36 51 35, email: bouwe.deboer@leeuwarden.nl

Neste is partnering with the Elfwegentocht event in the Netherlands to support the Fossil-Free Friesland project

Neste in brief

Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) creates sustainable solutions for transport, business, and consumer needs. Our wide range of renewable products enable our customers to reduce climate emissions. We are the world's largest producer of renewable diesel refined from waste and residues, introducing renewable solutions also to the aviation and plastics industries. We are also a technologically advanced refiner of high-quality oil products. We want to be a reliable partner with widely valued expertise, research, and sustainable operations. In 2017, Neste's revenue stood at EUR 13.2 billion. In 2018, Neste placed 2nd on the Global 100 list of the most sustainable companies in the world. Read more: neste.com

About Blauwe Diesel powered by Neste MY

Blauwe Diesel powered by Neste MY is a 100% HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, classified as Advanced Biofuel), which is produced entirely from renewable and sustainable raw materials, among others at Neste’s Rotterdam refinery. Its chemical composition is comparable to conventional diesel fuel. It behaves just like conventional fossil diesel, so no modifications are needed to the engines or distribution systems.

At the time of the Elfwegentocht event, Blauwe Diesel powered by Neste MY is sold at selected Tamoil, Veenema, and Postma fuel stations throughout the Friesland province in the Netherlands.

Elfwegentocht in brief

The Elfwegentocht is one of largest sustainable events in Europe organized so far. The event took place from 1 to 14 July 2018, setting a new world record by having the largest sustainable parade with vehicles. The Freonen, the organization that initiated the Elfwegentocht, is proud to have shown the rest of the world that it is possible to travel fossil-fuel-free during two entire weeks. Throughout this period, the roads were filled with cars, cyclists, and other vehicles powered by biogas, electricity or Blauwe Diesel Powered by Neste MY. The goal of the Elfwegentocht event was not to use diesel or petrol.