Demand for ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel in the U.S. continues to grow, with a Washington state electric utility now putting out "request for proposal" (RFP) bids for some 30 million gallons of ULSD.
Tacoma Power wants to use the fuel in 32 diesel-powered generator sets, a portion of some 200 diesel gen-sets heading to the state to help offset power deficits caused by low rainfall (for hydropower) and California's power crisis that's spreading throughout the West.
Without the aftertreatment and ultra-clean fuel technologies, the 32 generator sets otherwise would produce more emissions than major power stations and other industries in Pierce County.
The utility will reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the diesel gen-sets with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, and pair this with either oxidation catalysts or particulate matter (PM) traps that require ULSD.
The utility also is to submit a plan to mitigate diesel particulate emissions related to the generators. Examples of mitigation suggested by the agency include retrofitting diesel school buses or funding a wood stove or fireplace buy-back program
Other municipal utilities, including those of Mason and Chelan counties, are interested in joining the push for ULSD and clean-diesel technologies, explains Dennis McLerran, Executive Director, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA). Fleet programs could also join.
PSCAA - covering the most populous part of Washington including metro Seattle, Tacoma, Bremerton and Everett - expects ULSD bids from local refiner Tosco, and probably BP, although it's possible BP would have to ship product from a California refinery, he said.
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