DIESEL EMISSIONS CONFERENCE EUROPE 2012

The Diesel Emissions Conference 2012, now in its 8th year, is the flagship conference in Integer’s Diesel Emissions Conference Series. It is a meeting hub for leading on- and non-road OEMs and diesel emissions stakeholders from over 30 different countries, discussing progression towards the world’s most advanced diesel emissions legislation and technologies.

Market Overview

On-road

Against a challenging economic backdrop, Euro VI for heavy duty vehicles will be implemented in January 2013. OEMs have resolved most issues related to meeting these requirements, however there are still a small number of technical challenges to be addressed, including the need for particulate number counting in commercial vehicles.

Many industry experts believe the exact number of particulates should be counted, not just the overall particulate matter emitted from the vehicle. Legislators and engine manufacturers are currently discussing the possible implementation of regulations for particulate number counting and the optimum measurement technology that could be used.

It is widely believed that next stage in emissions legislation will move away from the ‘Euro’ stage framework, and focus on CO2 reduction and NO2 issues in urban areas.

With the truck market reporting a slow rise in truck numbers, many European manufacturers are now focusing on emerging markets – USA, India, Russia and Japan – to benefit from economic potential in these countries.

Non-road

Alongside new legislation for the on-road market, Stage IIIB for Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) will be implemented in 2013. It is expected that early testing results will be available in mid-2012. However, many stakeholders are already focusing on their strategy for Stage IV, which is due to be implemented in 2014.

Some are also looking ahead to possible CO2 reduction requirements for NRMM, and a similar particulate mass/number counting challenge being looked at in the on-road arena.

There is also strong discussion on the use of DPF technology in non-road vehicles. Although many believe that DPF has a part to play in emissions reduction, it was not a requirement for Stage IV vehicles. It is inevitable that legislators and vehicle manufacturers will soon make progress in solving the issue.

Marine

Pending a review in 2013, Tier III NOx limits will be implemented in 2016 for all new ships operating in Emissions Control Areas (ECAs). Tier III requires an aftertreatment system in engines, and most have opted for Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems for the similar benefits realized by the rest of the Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) industry. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) is also still an option, and could prove more useful for a number of applications.

This potentially creates a new revenue stream for providers of diesel emissions technologies, but marine vessels present a number of unique challenges which set them aside from other non-road machines, and require much more than a one size fits all service.

SOx limits will be implemented in 2015 in ECAs, making the practice of SOx reduction and the availability of low-sulphur Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) equally important as issues with NOx reduction. High-quality fuel is extremely expensive, so most stakeholders have adopted cheaper alternatives for reducing emissions, particularly the use of scrubbing technology.

ADBLUE FORUM 2012

2012′s AdBlue Forum will discuss new opportunities in emerging markets. It will provide all stakeholders – including producers, equipment providers and distributors – with the key networking and learning opportunities to help form solid business strategies.

Market Overview

As the AdBlue market in Europe begins to mature, stakeholders are now looking towards new opportunities in emerging markets. Attention turns to Russia, where Euro IV emissions regulations were introduced in January 2012. Although the AdBlue market is in the very early stages of development, growth in Russia’s commercial vehicle market signifies strong potential for an established market over the next few years. A key challenge in Russia will be the development of a strong distribution network, given the size of the country. Turkey, who  presents similar opportunities.

Attention will also turn to the marine sector. IMO Tier III requirements for NOx emissions will be implemented in 2016 – the first regulation that will require an aftertreatment system in new marine vessels. Just like the automotive sector, many engine manufacturers have chosen to use SCR technology that will require AdBlue. Some AdBlue producers have already began to form their plans for supplying marine vessels, but it is important that this unique market is fully understood before real progress can begin.

Early testing of non-road vehicles fitted SCR technology has been positive. The demand for AdBlue in this sector will continue to grow as Stage IIIB requirements are implemented in 2013 and Stage IV follows in 2014. One key issue that is still being discussed at length is the need for a strong and sustainable distribution network for all non-road vehicles using AdBlue.

Key themes

Diesel Emissions Conference Europe 2012

On-road:

• CO2 emissions reduction in commercial vehicles – what legislation can be expected and what are the best solutions and technologies?
• NO2 levels in urban areas – possible legislation and solutions
• Addressing the challenge of particulate number counting
• New and innovative emissions reduction technology choices for Euro VI
• Euro VI – early testing and possible amendments to the legislation
• Alternative fuels, lubricants and engine technology

Non-road:

• Stage IIIB – initial results of vehicles testing and use
• Stage IV legislative update and vehicle manufacturers’ initial strategies
• Emissions reduction technology choices for non-road vehicles
• Future plans for non road emissions reduction legislation and harmonisation of vehicle regulations

Marine:

• IMO Tier III requirements – challenges and solutions for ship owners, engine manufacturers and technology suppliers.
• NOx abatement technology choices – the advantages and disadvantages of an SCR and EGR systems.
• SOx and PM requirements for the marine sector.

AdBlue Forum 2012

• Indentifying new demand for AdBlue from emerging markets – Turkey and Russia
• New opportunities in the marine sector – how can AdBlue stakeholders benefit from the new IMO Tier III legislation?
• AdBlue infrastructure development and use in the non-road sector – what are the remaining challenges?