In partnership with the best HVO suppliers, DB Cargo has disclosed that its diesel mainlines and shunting engines will be using hydrotreated vegetable oil or HVO fuel.
Their machines can pull trains of up to 3,000 tonnes for last-mile services at secluded sidings, freight terminals, and ports, not including the prerequisite for any special adjustments.
After months of research and testing, the company has found out that HVO fuel has a number of benefits.
The HVO fuel comes from biological materials and waste, with no additional growing areas utilised in manufacturing. Biofuel is also free of palm oil.
The engine’s combustion only produces CO2 previously drawn from the air during plant growth.
Dr Sigrid Nikutta, a board member for freight transport at DB Cargo, said they could simply operate freight trains using this substitute fuel and the present steam engine fleet in a completely CO2-neutral manner. Simultaneously, the company capitalises on new technologies and converts diesel engines to hybrid technology.
Therefore, companies can provide their clients with bespoke climate-friendly supply chains. Many of DB Cargo’s clients have already expressed that they’ve been looking for sustainability, thus fulfilling their customers’ requests.
Successful Tests by DB Cargo
DB Cargo has tested HVO successfully on one of their HVO locomotives.
The train, which was referred to as a climate hero, was put through its paces at Nottinghamshire’s Toton traction maintenance depot, where conventional red diesel has been replaced with the more ecologically friendly HVO fuel.
The Class 67 diesel locomotive with its powerful 3,200bhp engine has been put through its paces, from idle to full power, with no detrimental effect on its performance. DB Cargo intends to move toward live, on-track testing of the HVO fuel in both its Class 67 and 66 freight fleets. Tests will also be conducted on the company’s fleet of Class 60 diesel engines.
HVO fuel in the UK is manufactured by way of a hydro-treatment technique that removes hazardous carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx), which are emitted in excessive quantities when utilised in diesel automobiles and equipment.
DB Cargo CEO Andrea Rossi said they have a moral obligation to their customers and society since they are the UK’s biggest supplier of rail logistics solutions, with the biggest fleet of locomotives. The company, in general, will look for more sustainable methods of operation and reduce their environmental effect.
The first of its kind, the revolutionary vehicle, is a significant step in the UK Government’s objective of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It emphasises the vital function of rail freight in achieving this goal.
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said that British businesses are booming while lowering carbon emissions; this is the goal of introducing greener efforts. Trains are one of the most environmentally-friendly methods to transport items, and DB Cargo is ahead of the curve in making it even more so.
HVO is being trialled and developed by DB Cargo, the UK’s biggest rail freight company, to reduce carbon emissions in the short term. This new service will carry Toyotas manufactured in Derby to Europe via the Channel Tunnel and import Toyotas on their return journey.
The HVO diesel engine can reduce carbon emissions by as much as 90 per cent compared to diesel cars. DB Cargo UK presently runs 228 diesel and electric locomotives that carry 37 million tonnes of freight across the UK and Europe each year. It consumes roughly 45 million litres of red diesel every year.
What Is HVO Fuel?
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a paraffinic bio-based liquid fuel produced from a variety of vegetable oils, including sunflower, soybean, and rapeseed. It may be used in traditional diesel engines or mixed with petrodiesel. HVO can be substituted for petrodiesel directly or mixed in any amount with it without changing CI engines.
As with biodiesel, vegetable feedstocks contend with food production. As a result, alternative non-food oils such as algae oil, jatropha and waste cooking oils will be investigated more shortly to help replace a substantial amount of fossil-based diesel.
Why Use HVO Fuel?
There are several alternatives to the polluting emissions produced by fossil fuels that aren’t as simple, from charging stations to new pipes and unique storage conditions. All this additional infrastructure will need skills, storage space, and money.
The benefits of operating your business on HVO fuel include the fact that you don’t have to worry about any of the above. HVO fuel can be directly substituted for diesel and stored in the same tank; it may also be used exactly as white and red diesel.
HVOfuel is a simple answer for firms that already use fossil diesel and wish to reduce their carbon emissions. By fuelling your operations with HVO fuel, you can approach climate change head-on by fuelling your business in this more environmentally-friendly way.
Drop-in Diesel Alternative
The blending of hydrogen with gasoline or diesel to create a HVO fuel does not necessitate changing engines. It complies with the highest standards for paraffinic and diesel fuels. It has also been certified for use in automobiles.
Clean-Burning Fuel
HVO fuel’s clean burn qualities assist in minimising particle production, which improves air quality and extends engine longevity (where applicable). HVO fuels improve combustion, resulting in lower emissions, including reducing unburnt hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and NOx.
Long Shelf Life
The shelf life of hydrogen-rich natural gas is up to 10 years versus only 1 year for mineral diesel, implying there will be less frequent testing and standing stock replacement.
The Best HVO Suppliers in the Market
With consumers increasingly demanding environmentally-friendly goods and new legislation about to be implemented, now is the perfect time to make the switch to HVO fuel.
At HVO Fuel UK, we help businesses cut their CO2 emissions by providing the next generation of renewable diesel. As HVO suppliers, we offer shortened supply chains, improved transparency, and market-leading prices.
Choosing this alternative fuel can help you reduce your overall carbon footprint and reduce the local emissions of your operations.
If you’re interested in what we have to offer, don’t hesitate to reach out. To learn more about us and what we do, head over to hvofueluk.co.uk today.
