In Case You Missed It - The NSW Renewable Fuel Strategy
In the race towards the end of last year, you might have missed it - NSW quietly launched Australia’s first dedicated Renewable Fuel Strategy in November 2025, and it already places renewable diesel at the heart of the state’s decarbonisation plan for heavy transport, construction, mining and industry.
For NSW businesses that still run on diesel, this isn’t just another book for the shelf. It’s a policy‑backed signal that low‑carbon liquid fuels are now a realistic and increasingly expected way to cut emissions, without waiting for new fleets, new engines or new infrastructure.
How NSW is Reshaping the Fuel Game
The Strategy sets out various initiatives to grow the NSW renewable fuel industry:
The Strategy is designed to help NSW meet its legislated targets of 50% emissions reduction on 2005 levels by 2030, 70% by 2035 and net zero by 2050, with a strong focus on hard‑to‑abate sectors such as:
Where Renewable Diesel Fits
Renewable diesel (often called HVO) is a paraffinic diesel made from waste‑based feedstocks such as used cooking oil and animal fats. It is chemically similar to fossil diesel, which means:
It can be used at 100% (HVO100/R100) in most modern diesel engines.
It can be stored in existing tanks and delivered through existing diesel infrastructure.
It behaves like conventional diesel from the operator’s point of view, while delivering much lower lifecycle CO₂ emissions when produced from sustainable feedstocks.
For NSW businesses, the Strategy legitimises renewable diesel as a credible, policy‑aligned decarbonisation pathway, it:
Recognises that many 24/7, high‑duty operations cannot electrify quickly or wait for future technologies to technically and commercially ready at scale, so the Strategy explicitly leaning on low‑carbon liquid fuels to fill the gap.
Suggests funding of renewable diesel trials, by offering access to subsidised renewable diesel for transport, construction, mining and agriculture.
Will provide expanded support for renewable fuels through the Renewable Fuel Scheme and clearer certification frameworks, including work towards broader GreenPower‑style certification recognition for renewable fuels.
Signals that disclosure and reporting of renewable fuel use will become more important for customers, investors and government‑linked projects.
Creates a window for early movers who adopt renewable diesel now and can position themselves ahead of future procurement criteria and sustainability expectations.
How RD2Go’s Renewable Diesel Turns Policy into Action
At RD2Go, we are already helping NSW operators “keep the fleet, change the fuel” with renewable diesel that aligns closely with what the NSW Renewable Fuel Strategy is trying to achieve:
Drop‑in compliance: Our renewable diesel is a paraffinic diesel compliant with EN15940 and the Australian Fuel Quality Standard (Paraffinic Diesel) 2025, recognised as a distinct drop‑in fuel separate from fossil diesel.
Waste‑based feedstocks: It is made from 100% waste‑derived renewable feedstocks, not virgin crops, in line with sustainability principles referenced in Australian and NSW policy.
No‑regrets operations: It can be used at 100% strength in existing engines, tanks and logistics, with no engine modifications or major capital works, with most OEMs already approving HVO a fuel source without voiding existing warranties.
Immediate emissions impact: It delivers immediate Scope 1 CO₂ reductions at the tailpipe, alongside lower particulates and other pollutants, helping businesses meet both climate and local air‑quality goals.
Put simply:
Fast emissions cuts in hard-to-electrify sectors
Measurable Scope 1 reductions without changing the fleet
A more resilient, diversified fuel supply
A renewables-first supply chain that shifts away from conventional diesel dependence
Can Renewable Diesel Fit: Your Project, Your Site, Your Client, Your Timeline?
👉 Download our fact sheets: how renewable diesel works for construction, transport and logistics, and data centres.
👉 To further understand HVO and why it is different to regular fossil diesel:
HVO and Carbon: How Renewable Diesel Reduces Emissions Across Every Scope
FAQ: Diesel, the Middle East Crisis & HVO - Prices, Supply and Reserves Explained
👉 Talk to us about whether renewable diesel fits your fleet, your site and your timeline:
The NSW Renewable Fuels Strategy and what it means for you
HVO fuel specifications
HVO pilot projects
HVO OEM approvals
Supply options tailored to your required volumes and delivery frequencies
Emissions reporting support