What is HVO fuel?
Discover how renewable diesels can help you meet your organisation’s sustainability objectives.
HVO Fuel UK provides businesses with the ‘next-generation’ low-carbon diesel, helping them significantly cut down on harmful gas and CO2 emissions. This also helps organisations keep in line with the regulations and standards, as well as duty changes and incentives, which drive the UK towards meeting the net zero target.
As a company, we don’t simply sell HVO fuel; we also look at your business goals and your exact applications in order to provide you with the best and safest liquid fuel to benefit your business and the community around you.
What is HVO Fuel?
Hydrotreated vegetable oil, otherwise known as HVO, is the next-generation low-carbon diesel. It is derived from used cooking oils, residue animal fats from food processing, tall oil, and non-food grade crops. Biofuel, more generally, is a renewable source of energy that comes from plants, animals, or algae.
With the world shifting towards more sustainable practices to reduce climate change and protect the environment, HVO fuels have become a viable choice to help reduce diesel vehicle and plant emissions. It is considered a paraffinic fuel, a new classification of cleaner transport fuels, and has almost zero sulphur and aromatics content.
We at HVO Fuel UK only supply waste-derived HVO to the market. Waste-derived HVO is by far the most sustainable type of HVO and results in the lowest amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
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Why is the use of HVO beneficial?
Better for the environment
The most significant benefit of using biofuels like HVO is their renewability, which reduces the potential harm to the atmosphere compared to fossil fuels.
When fossil fuels are used, a considerable volume of greenhouse gas emissions is released. This is one of the biggest contributors to global warming. In contrast, the use of HVO fuels produces up to 90% less CO2 compared to fossil diesel.
Safer to humans
As well as greenhouse gases, fossil fuels also release a considerable volume of pollutants into the air, contributing to air pollution that negatively affects human health. Air pollution is known to cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Some of the most common diseases linked to air pollution include lung cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and several other psychological and physiological conditions.
Cost-effective
There is a lot of demand for low-carbon energy options, but most of them require significant upfront capital expenditure (CAPEX). For instance, electric and hybrid generator sets are approximately three to five times more expensive than current equipment.
The use of HVO fuel in the UK is an excellent solution to this problem as it enables organisations to immediately and substantially reduce their greenhouse gas emissions without this large upfront CAPEX. It is also completely interchangeable with diesel, allowing many businesses to continue using their current assets and infrastructure.
While the operating expenditures (OPEX) involved in the HVO fuel price are greater compared to regular diesel, there is no major upfront CAPEX expenditure requirement.
Diverse range of raw materials
HVO can be created from a wide variety of raw materials. The term “Vegetable Oil” in “Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil” originated from the last decade when only vegetable oils were used as feedstock.
Now, HVO can be produced from: used cooking oil; residue fat fractions from food, fish, and slaughterhouse industries; tall oil byproducts; and non-food grade crop-based vegetable oil fractions.
The HVO that we offer is purely derived from waste materials as this is highly sustainable and offers the lowest greenhouse gas emissions
Useful for all industries that use diesel
Because HVO fuel can be used as a drop-in replacement to diesel, its benefits can be experienced by almost every industry. The primary advantages are to all sectors that use diesel, from construction to haulage, distribution, aviation, and retail. The fuel can equally be used by industrial trucks and tankers, as well as boats and other similar vessels.
HVO renewable diesel can also be used in agriculture, especially in tractors and other machinery that normally run on diesel. The same is true for construction equipment and machinery; while the fuel can also be used to run commercial boilers, as well as in portable generators.
With all these benefits, it’s evident that switching to HVO could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make for your organisation. HVO Fuel UK is here to help you with the transition.
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Who Are HVO Fuel UK?
With the wide range of fuel options available on the market, it can be challenging for UK businesses to find the right one that suits their goals. Whether you’re looking to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions or better manage your costs, we at HVO Fuel UK can help.
HVO Fuel UK are experts with decades of experience at supplying businesses with specialist fuel products. Whatever your goals may be, our team will work closely with you to understand your needs and provide you with the best fuel and energy solutions. Moreover, if you do decide to switch fuels, we will provide you with full technical and engineering support in order to minimise any disruption to your business operations.
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How do I transition to HVO Fuel?
The transition to using HVO diesel may sound complicated, but the truth is that it’s easier than most people think. It is a suitable drop-in replacement for both regular diesel or gasoil, and no modifications to existing equipment are required. Tank cleaning is also unnecessary as HVO can be blended into the tank at any ratio without any adverse effects on performance or reliability.
Early types of biodiesels known as Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) use oils and fats that contain methanol. These absorb moisture, which can have adverse effects over the long term. HVO, on the other hand, uses a different process: a two-stage hydrotreatment. The final product is as close to diesel as possible – and in some ways, even better.
HVO also has a significantly longer shelf-life than biodiesel and can be stored for up to 10 years.
But one of the best factors in switching to HVO is that this fuel can be safely blended with conventional diesel, offering you significant flexibility in terms both of your CO2 reduction and the HVO fuel cost. This also means that there is no time-consuming transition period needed.
There is no need to drain your fuel tank before filling it up with HVO; in fact, you can freely pour the fuel into your tank even if it still has diesel in it.
Call HVO Fuel UK now at 0114 400 0186, and let’s talk about how we can help you switch to a cleaner future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HVO in fuels?
HVO stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, which is a paraffinic bio-based liquid fuel. This fuel is a suitable low-carbon drop-in replacement to regular diesel. It can be used in conventional diesel engines, either in pure form or in combination with a petro-diesel.
Although “Vegetable Oil” is part of the name, the feedstock used in the production of HVO is not limited to vegetable oil.
Nowadays, HVO can be produced from used cooking oil, residual animal fat, tall oil byproducts, and non-food grade crop-based vegetable oil fractions.
The waste-derived HVO that we offer is the most sustainable type of HVO and it results in the lowest amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
Where can I buy HVO?
HVO biofuels have become the preferred fuel option of many businesses because of the reduced carbon emissions it offers. Some of today’s leading HVO fuel suppliers can supply HVO fuel anywhere in the UK.
If you’re looking for a reliable HVO supplier, the team at HVO Fuel UK would be more than happy to provide you with affordable energy solutions.
Can I use HVO fuel in my vehicle?
Absolutely. Because it has the same chemical composition as conventional diesel, HVO renewable diesel can be utilised as a drop-in replacement for all diesel engines.
HVO complies with the EN15940 criteria for paraffinic fuels. However, you should still follow the engine manufacturer’s guidelines for the type of fuel – contact your supplier for guidance if you have questions about this. You may also get in touch with us if you require assistance with gaining approval from your engine manufacturer.
Is HVO better than diesel?
HVO complies with the EN15940 criteria for paraffinic fuels. This synthetic, stable fossil-free diesel alternative operates better than diesel in cold temperatures, has higher filterability, and has a cleaner burn.
HVO decreases Nitrogen Oxide, Carbon Monoxide, and particulate matter emissions and eliminates up to 90% of CO2 emissions when compared to fossil diesel.
Why is renewable diesel better than biodiesel?
Renewable diesel is a cleaner, higher-quality product that can withstand cold temperatures and lengthy storage periods, making it far superior to standard biodiesel. When 100 per cent renewable diesel is utilised, the benefits to vehicles, motorists, and ultimately the environment can be significant.
Environmental Benefits of HVO Fuels
There’s hope for society in general, and various industries in particular, to realise their goal of creating a sustainable future if they switch to the use of HVOs. Instead of being classified as a “biodiesel,” HVO is now referred to as a “renewable fuel”. It is made from 100 per cent renewable feedstocks and fits the EU classification of EN15940 for Paraffinic Fuels.
The classification of “biodiesel” is now reserved for products like fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and used cooking oil methyl esters (UCOME). As HVO is a “drop-in diesel replacement” due to its diesel-like properties, operators are not required to make changes to their engines or peripherals to use it.
HVO reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90%. Carbon dioxide is a significant cause of climate change, so along with HVO’s reduction in NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) emissions by up to 27% and PM (Particulate Matter) emissions by up to 84 per cent, its use could be crucial in helping efforts to improve air quality.
With HVO capable of fulfilling the needs of company owners aiming to become more sustainable, this form of fuel is sure to become a front runner in the search for a greener, fossil-fuel-free future.
Defining HVO
While there’s plenty of buzz surrounding the benefits of hydrotreated vegetable oil diesel in modern society, there’s still much to be discovered and understood about this vital biofuel.
Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is a type of biofuel made from vegetable fats and oils. Hydrogen acts as a catalyst in the manufacture of HVO and extracts oxygen from the biomass mixture.
This is in contrast to FAME biodiesel, which uses methanol as a catalyst. The process of creating biodiesel does not remove oxygen from the biomass mixture, which results in oxidation within fuel tanks. Because of esters contamination in the biomass mixture, FAME biofuels also have a shorter shelf life due to oxidation. Esters will eventually create a build-up of residue and blockage of filters.
As a result, HVO is a more environment-friendly diesel alternative, with a longer shelf life and lower maintenance requirements compared to biodiesel.
HVO can be employed in standard diesel engines without the need for any retrofitting of technology. HVO is a cleaner-burning oil than diesel because it contains no sulphur or aromatics. When compared to gasoline or diesel, the combustion of HVO emits less nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and carbon dioxide (CO2); and no sulphur oxide (SOx).
Is HVO an advanced biofuel?
HVO is an advanced biofuel widely regarded as the next generation of biofuel. This is a significant step forward in the UK’s transition to a sustainable bioeconomy. Among these “advanced biofuels” are lignocellulose-based ethanol, hydrogenated vegetable oil – HVO, algae-based biofuels, and biogas.
Is HVO renewable?
It certainly is. HVO is a 100% renewable diesel substitute based on vegetable oils, grease waste, or residue from industries such as food and agriculture. Compared to ordinary diesel, this biofuel from HVO suppliers can cut CO2 emissions by up to 90%.
What is HVO fuel made from?
Using a specialised hydrotreatment technique, this sustainable fuel product is created from vegetable oil or animal fat. Today, various waste products can be used in the production of HVO, such as:
- Used cooking oil;
- Residual fat fractions from food, fish, and slaughterhouse industries;
- Tall oil byproducts; and
- Non-food grade crop-based vegetable oil fractions.
This type of fuel can significantly minimise harmful emissions when used in diesel vehicles and machinery due to greatly improved burning efficiency. In particular, the waste-derived HVO we provide is highly sustainable and offers the lowest greenhouse gas emissions.
Can you mix HVO with diesel?
Because HVO fuel is completely miscible with mineral diesel, mixing it with diesel is possible in any ratio. Simply top up your existing diesel supplies and fire up your engine. However, bear in mind that because of the negative qualities of diesel that contains FAME, you do lose many of the benefits of HVO fuels when the two are blended.
Can vegetable oil be used as fuel?
Vegetable oil that hasn’t gone through the complicated hydrotreating process of HVO becomes FAME – an old, basic biofuel that has many reliability and storage issues.
HVO does not suffer from any of these problems. It is capable of providing instant carbon savings without compromising performance or reliability compared to fossil diesel.
Interesting Facts About Biofuels
Biofuels are made from biomass such as straw, tree bark, dried leaves, and wood. They are delivered through direct combustion of dry matter before being transformed into liquid and gaseous fuel. Wet organic materials such as sewage, sludge, and vegetable oil can also be turned into biofuels by wet processes such as digestion and fermentation.
There are three types of solid biofuels: wood, straw, and domestic waste, all of which are utilised to generate useful heat. Living creatures can also generate biofuels, including food sugars and starches, from non-edible plant resources, as well as algae and microorganisms.
The key reason for using biofuels is that they contribute to a cleaner environment and a healthier populace.
The future looks promising with the use of biofuels such as HVO fuel, primarily for transportation. HVO Fuel UK is committed to helping societies realise a sustainable future for everyone. Visit our homepage to learn more.
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