There is some good news. A fuel that offers a solution to those searching for cleaner driving is available. It’s called R99. The fuel reduces by 70% to 80% the emissions used in a musical tour that absolutely cause Climate Catastrophe.

Renewable Diesel is more expensive but as we know, so are tickets to see many artists, so they can use that money to try to save the planet as they tour the world. The fuel can even power air travel.

Diesel cars, trucks and buses all can use this fuel. It has none of the problems of Biodiesel which has been a solution with a lot of drawbacks. After converting my tour bus to biodiesel, I discovered R 99 and it made me very happy.

If you’re not familiar with R99 renewable diesel, it’s made from sustainable sources such as natural animal fats, vegetable oils, greases, plant waste, and other sources. Advancements in refining technology mean that previously unused resources can now be reused, which provides significant environmental benefits, according to Neste, a producer of the renewable diesel.

The specialized processes used to produce renewable diesel deliver near zero contaminants and have other benefits, such as: It can be used as a drop-in replacement for ultra-low-sulfur diesel and biodiesel, reduces greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions by 80%, has 24% lower carbon monoxide levels, and it’s a high cetane fuel, which is good for greater pickup, cold start, and quieter operation, according to Neste, a manufacturer. 

I have tried it in my bus and my 1962 classic diesel Mercedes and it works very well under all conditions I have encountered. I have found it to be quite reliable.

Researching new ways of touring because of the damage my tours can cause to our environment and future led me to this discovery. Using this fuel, I could conceivably tour again without polluting excessive CO2 and that is quite important to me, so important that I have not wanted to tour for the last couple of years

Over the last year I have been trying to put together an electric touring fleet with some of my friends to sponsor it but that has proved a very daunting task. Electric power vehicle development is moving very slowly. R99 works now in existing vehicles, solving the problem until electric is widely available. We can also use renewable diesel generators to power our shows, venues and other aspects of touring.

So things are looking brighter.