DETROIT, Mich. — DTE Energy will convert its 800-strong service vehicles and trucks to biodiesel in a move it expects will save the company $600,000 a year.

The company has already begun blending 5 percent biodiesel into conventional diesel vehicles but expects to gradually increase the blend to 20 percent by mid-2008. Industry statistics indicate that a 20 percent blend of biodiesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent.

"Converting to biodiesel is a win-win for DTE Energy and the environment," said Bill Pettit, DTE’s director of fleet administration and operation. "Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable and nontoxic. By using this recycled fuel, we'll be able to reduce emissions and help move DTE Energy toward a 'greener' motor vehicle fleet."

The company’s fleet includes construction equipment and bucket trucks to light duty vehicles, Pettit said.

"Converting our fleet to biodiesel is the environmental equivalent of taking about 120 of those vehicles off the road and out of service," Pettit said.

B20 can be used without modifications of existing vehicles, parts or refueling facilities. The biodiesel will be supplied by RKA Petroleum of Romulus, Mich.