Exploring Lignocellulose-Based Renewable Diesel’s Potential for Texas Freight

The abundant availability of crop waste and forestry residues in Texas provides great potential for producing renewable diesel in the local towns of Texas. This study aims to evaluate the environmental impacts of renewable diesel use in Texas transportation and the potential of renewable diesel production in Texas. The GREET model was used to customize the life cycle pathway of renewable diesel and evaluate its environmental impacts. The models of renewable diesel produced from forestry residue and corn stover were built to calculate life cycle gas emissions of combination short-haul heavy-duty trucks fueled with renewable diesel. Life cycle GHG emissions of renewable diesel are much lower than those of low-sulfur diesel. However, with respect to renewable diesel derived from corn stover, life cycle PM10 and PM2.5 emissions were almost double those of low-sulfur diesel in 2024, and both emissions will be reduced by 37–38% in 2035. The life cycle emission trends of SOx, black carbon, and primary organic carbon are very similar to those of PM10 and PM2.5. The total cost of ownership (TCO) of heavy-duty trucks using renewable diesel produced from forestry residues or corn stover would be 10.3–14.8% higher than those consuming regular low-sulfur diesel in Texas.