A microalgae-derived renewable diesel, Soladiesel™ produced by Solazyme, has passed American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D-975 specifications it was announced today (11th June). Soladiesel, claims the company, is the first algal-based renewable diesel to meet these standards.

In a 100% blend, Soladiesel has been road tested in a factory standard 2005 Jeep Liberty diesel, says Solazyme. The fuel's chemical composition, it says, is identical to that of standard petroleum based diesel, and Soladiesel is fully compatible with the existing transportation fuel infrastructure. Having fewer particulate emissions, Soladiesel also has a more desirable environmental footprint than standard petro-diesel. In addition, it meets the new ASTM ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) standards.

"This now marks the production of our second fuel that meets current U.S. fuel specifications and is an important validation of our proprietary process using microalgae to produce renewable fuels," said Jonathan Wolfson, chief executive officer of Solazyme. "Solazyme’s leadership in the green fuels space will continue to grow as we now execute on our strategy for commercial launch."