Introducing the options

Renewable fuels with potential for use in the Group's products include, but are not limited to, the following alternatives. These are the alternatives we assessed with regard to the seven criteria.

Biogas
Biogas is a gaseous fuel consisting mainly of the hydrocarbon methane.
It can be extracted from sewage treatment plants, refuse dumps and other sources of biologically degradable material. The fuel can also be produced by biomass gasification.

Hydrogen
Hydrogen is produced by reforming hydrocarbons using heat and steam, gasification of heavy hydrocarbons or biomass and electrolysis of water.
The combustion or electrochemical reaction (fuel cell) is almost emission free and it can be used for a variety of purposes and can also be mixed with biogas in low concentrations.

Synthetic diesel
Synthetic diesel is a mix of synthetically produced hydrocarbons made by gasification of biomass.
It can be blended into conventional diesel and is compatible with existing Volvo engines. However, it has lower energy efficiency than other synthesis gas products and the current production is limited.

DME - dimethyl-ether
Of all the alternative fuels currently being discussed, DME is the fuel that offers the best total energy efficiency.
It can be produced from both fossil and bio-renewable raw materials and is used in the diesel engine without necessitating any major modifications to the engine.

Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that can be produced from a variety of biological raw materials such as various oily plants.
The simplest and quickest way of increasing the use of biodiesel and thus reducing emissions of carbon dioxide, without any modifications to vehicles or engines, is to permit a blend of biodiesel in conventional mineral diesel oil.