WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Energy today announced that it has developed, patented, and made commercially available reformulated diesel fuels which when used can reduce nitrogen oxides up to 10% and particulate matter up to 22% compared to those currently available.  The diesel fuel formulations covered under this patent will be commercially available for use without licensing or royalty fees.  This reformulated diesel fuel patent resulted from research conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and its subcontractors.

“DOE’s personnel continue to bring to the forefront technologies and solutions to improve the way we power our automobiles while safeguarding the environment,” Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs Karen A. Harbert said.  “This new patent can enable lower in-use emissions, enhance new vehicle emission control system performance, and improve vehicle operating characteristics” 

The team of inventors, H.T. McAdams, Robert W. Crawford, Gerald R. Hadder, and Barry D. McNutt developed this reformulated diesel fuel patent to ensure public benefits.  By using this patent, a substantial variety of clean diesel fuel formulations will become a safe and predictable investment for refiners.  The patent application was filed on behalf of the Department by DOE’s Office of Policy and International Affairs, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and DOE’s Office of General Counsel.  Emily Schneider of DOE Oak Ridge Operations was the patent attorney.

Interested parties wishing to pursue nonexclusive licensing of patent 7,018,524 issued March 28, 2006 please visit http://www.osti.gov/dublincore/gencncl/index.jsp.

Media contact(s):
Megan Barnett, (202) 586-4940