The Role of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in Modern Fleet Management
Society has a significant responsibility to address the escalating climate change crisis. Fleet operators are now implementing practical changes by adopting HVO energy, which will substantially impact their business’s greenhouse gas emissions.
HVO is leading a new generation of renewable energies to ultimately replace fossil fuels and is crucial for helping the UK reach its 2050 net-zero target. Fleets across the country are switching from traditional diesel fuel to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against global warming – but is HVO the answer?
What is HVO?
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, more commonly known as HVO, is a sustainable energy source made from certified waste such as vegetable oils, animal oils, rapeseed, sunflower oil and animal fats. It is a fossil-free diesel fuel that can be used as a direct replacement for both red and white diesel and reduces net CO2 emissions by as much as 90% without any engine modifications.
HVO is produced through hydrotreatment, where oils or fats are reacted with hydrogen at high temperatures and pressures. This method removes contaminants (such as sulphur and nitrogen) and saturates the carbon chains, resulting in a purer and more stable energy with cleaner burning properties compared to conventional diesel. HVO is part of the paraffinic family of fuels which are renewable, sustainable and high quality, making it perfectly suited for a wide range of applications including vehicles and generators.
Some typical examples where HVO is currently used include:
- Lorries and tankers
- Agricultural tractors and machinery
- Portable generators
- Commercial boilers
- Boats and vessels
HVO Environmental Impact
HVO is a renewable fuel known for its environmental benefits, especially when compared to traditional diesel and first-generation biofuels. Derived entirely from waste materials, HVO considerably lowers the carbon emissions of vehicles, is more engine-friendly, and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
Furthermore, HVO significantly reduces levels of particulates and pollutants in the atmosphere and has a smaller carbon footprint.
Notably, HVO energy storage can be considered eco-friendly because it doesn’t need bespoke infrastructure, unlike some alternative fuels. Standard diesel storage facilities are sufficient for HVO, eliminating the need for additional capital expenditure on storage modifications.
To conclude, HVO provides substantial environmental benefits throughout its lifecycle. It plays a crucial role in the shift towards sustainable fuels, thanks to its remarkable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and its wide range of applications.
Seamless Transition to HVO
As a substitute for fossil fuels, HVO actively contributes to the fight against climate change by offering a more environmentally friendly alternative. One of the major benefits of using HVO is that no modifications are needed for the vehicle – it can directly replace diesel. This means that almost any engine, vehicle or piece of equipment that runs on diesel can also run on HVO, making it highly practical for diverse industries aiming to lower their environmental impact.
Switching to HVO as an alternative power source involves no downtime. HVO can be safely blended with diesel, offering users flexibility in managing fuel costs and CO2 reduction. While running on pure HVO enhances sustainability benefits, it’s not necessary to empty a diesel tank before refilling it with HVO. However, since mineral diesel contains fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), blending it with HVO can diminish many of HVO’s advantages.
HVO v Diesel: Shelf Life and Cold-Resistance
HVO can be stored for up to ten years due to its stable chemical composition, which resists oxidation and bacterial growth. In comparison, mineral diesel can generally be stored for only up to one year, as it is more prone to degradation and contamination. This considerable difference highlights the long-term storage benefits of HVO energy.
HVO typically outperforms ordinary diesel in cold weather conditions. This is due to its higher cetane number and superior cold flow properties, which allow it to remain fluid at lower temperatures and reduce the likelihood of coagulation or clogging fuel filters. These characteristics make HVO more reliable in cold climates by enhancing engine start-up, ensuring smoother performance, improving combustion efficiency and minimising the risk of cold-related issues.
HVO v Diesel: Production Costs
The production costs of HVO are usually higher than those of conventional diesel, primarily because of the expense of feedstocks and the necessary processing. However, these costs are gradually decreasing as technology advances and the market for these fuels expands.
TSG is here to help
TSG UK specialises in meeting the needs of all fleet operators (including truck and bus), major oil companies (MOCs), and multinational fuel retail groups by providing high-quality solutions, equipment and maintenance packages. With over 30 years of industry expertise, TSG collaborates with its clients to fully leverage the potential of their sites and budgets.
TSG is a well-known provider of equipment to the retail fuel industry and is now gaining recognition in the new energy sector. They offer a wide range of products and advanced solutions to help companies transition to new energies, including HVO. The highly skilled TSG team is trained to meet strict deadlines with minimal site disruption, providing comprehensive turnkey solutions. These include site surveys, design, construction, project management, civil works, equipment installation and commissioning, all supported by a flexible service and maintenance package.
Author: Cheryl Ashton
