Red diesel is cheaper than the standard diesel available at the pumps for the general public, as it is meant for commercial use on a large scale generator manufacturer. To support business, it is taxed at a significantly lower rate. Red diesel is the same as standard diesel but is colored red to distinguish it (hence the name) and is only available from specialist suppliers. With few exceptions, using red diesel in vehicles on public roads is illegal.

 

Unfortunately, it is also responsible for 14 million tonnes of CO2 emissions yearly. So, the government is making changes to encourage businesses to switch from diesel to greener alternative fuel types.

 

In this blog post, we’ll answer the most commonly asked question “can you use red diesel in a generator?”.

 

Let’s get started.

 

What is red diesel fuel?

 

Commonly known as gas oil, red diesel is a type of fuel commercial businesses use to power farm vehicles, off-road vehicles, and equipment. It can also be used to power an oil central heating system. However, only specific industries and applications are allowed to use red diesel, so you must understand the regulations for using red diesel.

 

Gas oil has been in the headlines recently due to recent regulation changes. That's why we've put together some common red diesel questions to help you understand what gas oil is, what it's made of, and when to use it.

 

What does red diesel look like?

 

The term 'red diesel' refers to gas oil that can be used for off-road vehicles and equipment - unlike white diesel, red diesel cannot fuel on-road cars. Red diesel gas oil is classified as an exempt fuel, as it is taxed at a lower rate than the white diesel we use to fill our cars and on-road vehicles.

 

If you're wondering, 'What makes red diesel red?' So, the answer is yes. Red diesel is gas oil with a marker dye added and was first developed for off-road use in 1961. Since that date, red marker dye must be added to gas oil. The inclusion of this red color is for enforcement purposes, as it allows HMRC to investigate and prosecute cases where red diesel is being used illegally and improperly.

 

What are other names for red diesel?

 

Besides being called gas oil, red diesel is also commonly known by other names. These variations are the same fuel type, and all have the same restrictions on their use. Other names of red diesel are 35-second oil, tractor diesel, agricultural diesel, digger fuel, generator fuel, cherry diesel, and medium diesel.

 

How is red diesel made, and what is it made from? Red diesel vs regular white diesel

 

Red diesel has the same composition as road diesel or white diesel but with the addition of a red marker dye. Red diesel is made by distilling and refining crude oil in petroleum refineries like white diesel. At the molecular level, gas oil comprises carbon chains and carbon molecules of different sizes.

 

What is red diesel used for? Who can buy red diesel, and when can it be used?

 

When red diesel was introduced, the fuel was designed to power off-road vehicles and equipment. It was also taxed at a lower or 'exempt' rate, which benefited businesses with tax relief. However, in March 2020, the government announced plans to change red diesel regulations on its use.

 

In April 2022, new legislation came into effect that bans the majority of industries from using red diesel, including construction. However, the use of red diesel in tractors and boats is still allowed; the following sectors are exempted from these new rules: agriculture and farming, forestry and horticulture, rail, commercial boating, community sports, traveling fairs and circuses, and non-commercial.

 

Can red diesel be used in generators? Red diesel vs heating oil and kerosene

 

As stated in the red diesel regulations, it can still be used in power generation, but only for non-commercial purposes such as hospitals, schools, and places of worship. Additionally, gas oil can still be used in a home's central heating system. This is good news for homeowners who rely on red diesel, home heating oil, and kerosene to heat their properties.

 

Red diesel vs green diesel

 

Despite their names, the difference between red diesel and green diesel comes down to the composition of these fuels rather than their color. Red diesel, or gas oil as it is also known, is a fuel used for off-road vehicles and equipment, but it has the same chemical composition as white diesel or regular diesel. Green diesel, biodiesel, or HVO is classified as biofuel.

 

What are the advantages of red diesel for backup generators?

 

So, why should you choose red diesel for backup generators?

 

Well, there are many benefits to using red diesel, including:

 

a) Being cost-effective

 

Red diesel is cheaper than other diesel alternatives, as it has a 40% lower fuel duty. This means you can save money on your fuel, even when you factor in the maintenance costs of your generator.

 

b) Efficient fuel consumption

 

Another advantage of red diesel is that it offers a very efficient way of fuel consumption. This means you'll get more heat from less fuel, so you can save even more money and save fuel, too.

 

c) Safer for your property

 

Red diesel can be a safer option, as this fuel does not have the added risk of toxic fumes, like natural gas generators. And red diesel is generally less flammable than other fuel sources.

 

Top considerations for using red diesel for backup generators

 

So, what should you consider to ensure you get these benefits from using red diesel to power your backup generator? Well, there are several things to remember, including

 

Generator maintenance- Your fuel can only burn efficiently if your generator is kept in working order. For any diesel generator, regular maintenance can be a significant concern.

 

Fuel consumption - Ensure you order enough fuel so you are not left short when disaster strikes. During the winter season, fuel consumption will generally be higher than average, so it may be a good idea to prepare for this.

 

The correct grade of red diesel- Winter and summer grades of red diesel are different, and you must ensure you have the correct grade for the season. Using red diesel in the summer can crystallize in the winter months and damage your generator.

 

Who can continue to use red diesel?

 

The agriculture, forestry, horticulture, fish farming, and passenger and freight rail industries will continue using commercial and non-commercial red diesel heating. However, companies outside these industries running their sites on generators and operating heavy machinery will no longer be able to do so. Such companies include those in the construction and waste management industries. Industries that, ironically, also have a role to play in helping the government meet its environmental goals.

 

While the government will claim that businesses have been given plenty of time to make the changes, as the plans were first outlined in the budget nearly two years ago, until recently, the attention of businesses. The focus has been on the covid pandemic. As a result, various industry bodies are calling on the government to delay the changes to give companies more time to make the changes.

 

What are the challenges of going green?

 

Even businesses that have had diesel conversions on their radar for the past year and are trying to make the changes the government wants to encourage realize that going green is always better. It takes work.

 

For example, there’s a person who runs a diesel generator to power their commercial site. The site does not immediately refer to a public highway, so connecting to the national grid would involve laying electrical infrastructure on private land owned by third parties. Legal easements are required to apply such infrastructure on the ground. Not all landlords already have such facilities. Even where such facilities are already in place, the utility companies require that the facilities contain various bells and whistles that are not common in standard transmissions that are part of the sale. An easement is provided on retained land. Therefore, there is a need for new and improved legal facilities.

 

These new conveniences can come at a price and can certainly take time. That person has offered to pay a premium for better convenience yet has been chasing a contract in principle for over six months. Legal documents need to be agreed upon once a deal is agreed in code (which is often not "easy"). This can take months as you have utility companies; this includes the owners of the land concerned and any mortgagees and long leasehold tenants. Only then will laying the electrical infrastructure and making the connections begin, allowing that person to transition out of diesel generators.

 

FAQs

 

1) Can white diesel and red diesel be mixed?

 

Mixing red and white diesel is not thought to cause any problems. However, it will require close monitoring at service inspections to check for contamination and filter blocking.

 

Depending on the fuel tank size and fire pump hazard class, white diesel can take more than 12 months to work its way entirely through the system to the point where red diesel is no longer present.

 

2) Does red diesel have other names?

 

Like other fuels, red diesel has many different names used by different people. Variations include

 

Tractor diesel – Used in the farming industry.

Gas oil- Commonly used in farming or construction.

35 seconds- This term refers to having red diesel for heating.

Generator diesel- Used for generators.

Agricultural diesel – Again used in the farming industry.

 

3) Will red diesel damage my engine?

 

Red diesel can not damage your engine or any other vehicle part. Red diesel is the same as regular diesel but with a red color. The diesel engine used in off-road equipment and vehicles is identical to that used in regular cars.

 

4) Who can not use red diesel?

 

Red diesel is restricted to the following uses: in vehicles and machinery used in agriculture, horticulture, fish farming, and forestry, including agricultural vehicles for edging and hedge cutting, snow clearing, and road paving. Permission to use

 

5) Is red diesel better than regular diesel?

 

Diesel fuel for use on roads and off does not differ chemically. You can purchase on-road diesel, sometimes referred to as clear diesel, at your neighborhood gas station. Off-road diesel is dyed red and sold through bulk distributors. The only difference is in color, price, and intended use.

 

6) Is kerosene red diesel?

 

There are two types of heating oil - gas oil and kerosene oil. Gas oil (red diesel and 35-second oil) is typically for commercial and agricultural use. Kerosene (home heating oil or 28-sec oil) is a light oil used in many homes.

 

 

 

7) Is red diesel explosive?

 

This product may contain volatile hydrocarbons that accumulate in the container headspace, creating a flammable or explosive atmosphere. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) may be released when heated.

 

8) How long does red diesel last?

 

Most red diesel only lasts six months. In some cases, it may be suitable for up to 12 months after purchase, but this is rare and will need to be used for that long.

 

9) Does red diesel smoke more?

 

Does red diesel produce more smoke than regular diesel? Assuming your red diesel is the same quality as white diesel, it shouldn't emit any extra smoke compared to regular diesel.

 

Conclusion

 

The use of red diesel in generators presents both practical and legal aspects. Although red diesel may offer cost savings, its use in generators intended for non-agricultural or non-road purposes may violate regulations in many regions. The potential threat of fines or penalties and the impact on warranty validity and performance issues underscores the importance of following recommended fuel guidelines. Users must ascertain the legal status and implications of using red diesel in generators in their jurisdiction and prioritize compliance with applicable laws to ensure safety, efficiency, and legal compliance.