HVO Fuel: Powering a Greener Tomorrow

lindaanneuk

Jul 3, 2025 - 10:16

Introduction: What is HVO Fuel?

HVO Fuel, short for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil fuel, is a renewable and sustainable alternative to conventional diesel. Derived from waste vegetable oils, used cooking oil, and animal fats, HVO Fuel is gaining attention for its ability to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions without compromising engine performance. As businesses and governments around the world seek cleaner fuel options to meet environmental regulations and climate goals, HVO Fuel is proving to be a reliable and practical solution for a wide range of industries.

How HVO Fuel is Made

Unlike traditional biodiesel (commonly known as FAME), HVO Fuel is produced through a process called hydrotreatment. In this method, hydrogen is used to treat renewable raw materials at high temperatures and pressures. This removes oxygen and other impurities, resulting in a clean, stable, and high-performance fuel. The final product is a paraffinic diesel that closely resembles fossil diesel in its chemical structure but offers superior environmental and performance characteristics.

Because of its hydrogenation process, HVO Fuel is free from sulfur, aromatics, and other contaminants, making it burn cleaner and more efficiently in diesel engines.

Environmental Benefits of HVO Fuel

One of the most notable advantages of HVO Fuel is its environmental impact. Depending on the feedstock used, HVO can reduce lifecycle carbon dioxide (CO?) emissions by up to 90% compared to standard diesel. It also produces significantly lower levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and other harmful emissions.

In addition, HVO is produced using waste and residual feedstocks, supporting a circular economy and reducing the environmental burden associated with traditional fuel production. Its sustainable sourcing and low-emission profile make it an ideal choice for businesses aiming to meet carbon reduction targets.

Engine Compatibility and Performance

HVO Fuel offers excellent engine compatibility and performance, making it a convenient drop-in replacement for fossil diesel. It meets the EN 15940 standard for paraffinic diesel fuel and can be used in most modern diesel engines without any modifications. This allows vehicle fleets and machinery operators to switch to HVO without additional costs or changes to infrastructure.

HVO also has a high cetane number, which ensures better combustion efficiency, smoother engine operation, and reduced noise. It performs exceptionally well in cold weather and has a long shelf life, free from issues like microbial growth that can affect conventional biodiesel.

Current Adoption and Future Potential

HVO Fuel is already being used across Europe in transport, construction, agriculture, and emergency backup power systems. Governments are supporting its rollout with tax incentives and renewable energy mandates, encouraging broader use across sectors.

As more countries invest in renewable fuel infrastructure and producers scale up production, HVO is expected to become more widely available and cost-competitive. Its flexibility, reliability, and environmental benefits position it as a key player in the transition to cleaner fuels.

Conclusion

HVO Fuel is a powerful solution in the global move toward sustainable energy. With its low emissions, engine compatibility, and renewable origins, it offers a practical and effective way to reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance. As demand for greener alternatives grows, HVO stands at the forefront of the clean fuel revolution.

lindaanneuk Linda Anne is a seasoned entrepreneur, a respected UK-based supplier of heating oil to homes, farms, and businesses across the country. Born and raised in rural Yorkshire, Linda grew up surrounded by farming communities where energy needs were constant, seasonal, and often underserved. Seeing the struggle for reliable fuel delivery in rural areas, she set out to build a company that would change that.