What you need to know before switching to HVO
Since the Net Zero strategy set out to achieve the decarbonisation of all UK industry by 2050 HVO has dominated the discussion of sustainable and renewable liquid fuel alternatives.
With steps already being taken towards achieving Net Zero, it is only a matter of time before traditional fossil fuels will be phased out. HVO is fast becoming the new diesel and, if you’re reading this, there’s a chance you’re considering making the switch. Read on if you want to find out more about HVO and for OTS’ tips on HVO use and storage.
What is HVO?
HVO stands for hydrotreated vegetable oil and, as the name suggests, this fuel is derived from 100% vegetable oils and animal fats. HVO is classed as a second-generation biofuel (as opposed to FAME).
What is HVO used for?
HVO has an almost identical chemical composition to diesel meaning it can be used as a direct diesel replacement for most vehicles and plant equipment, therefore making HVO suitable for a number of industries.
Currently, HVO is commercially available for cars, freight transport, agricultural machinery, boats and generators. HVO fuel can also be used within the aviation sector due to its substantially lower freezing point of -40°C compared to -8°C for diesel.
Below is a list of just a few vehicle manufacturers that are HVO approved:
DAF
MAN
Volva
Mercedes-Benz
Renault
Peugeot
Volvo
Citroen
DS
John Deere
Caterpillar
Scania
Deutz
HVO is also being trialled across the UK as a replacement fuel for kerosene in both domestic and non-domestic settings.
How do you store HVO?
HVO storage is not overly regulated in the UK, in fact, there are no UK regulations specifically for HVO biodiesel and it is recommended to store HVO as one would store diesel. It is therefore recommended to store HVO in a bunded tank if it is situated close to a public water source to help prevent the chances of water contamination in the event of a leak or spillage. This includes being within 10 metres of coastal waters or inland fresh waters and within 50 metres of drinking water sources. It is recommended to choose a steel or plastic bunded tank solution. See here for more information on HVO storage.
What are the benefits of HVO over traditional diesel and first-generation biofuels?
The main advantage of HVO as a diesel alternative is that it affords huge environmental benefits, including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.
As HVO is derived from waste products, not only is it considered more sustainable than first generation biofuels (which are derived from non-waste crops), but HVO is also non-toxic and biodegradable. This means that in the event of a leak or spillage the environmental impact will be considerably less detrimental than with diesel or kerosene.
But the benefits of HVO aren’t just environmental…
HVO fuel is better for your vehicles and machinery due to its clean-burning properties. HVO produces significantly less particulate matter which helps to improve engine cleanliness and promote the longevity of engine oils.
HVO is also perfect for buying in bulk as it has a long storage life (10 years) and is unlikely to become contaminated. Unlike traditional diesel and first-generation biofuels, HVO requires little to no fuel maintenance as it does not react with water or oxygen making it unlikely to become oxidised or contaminated with diesel bug (this means HVO is also less likely to degrade the condition of its storage tank).
Lastly, HVO is compatible with most vehicles without requiring engine modifications.
If you are interested in transitioning to this low-carbon diesel alternative, then you should know about Gd+ which is an advanced HVO fuel produced by Green Bio Fuels, the UK’s leading provider of HVO. Gd+ reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants by a staggering 80-90%, including up to:
90% reductions in CO2 emissions
20% reduction in NOX emissions
80% reductions in particulate matter emissions
Gd+ is also blended with a unique engine-enhancing additive which promotes the handling, storage and performance of the fuel. Other benefits of Gd+ are that it:
is odourless
produces no harmful smoke on engine start up
blends with diesel
requires no engine modifications
offers a total drop-in solution
is renewable and sustainable
Gd+ represents a unique and forward-thinking approach to biofuel and it shows that low-carbon diesel alternatives can not only replace diesel, but they can be far superior.
Low-carbon fuel alternatives such as HVO are the way forward and it’s time for UK industry to take steps to invest in their future in a carbon-neutral world. If you are considering switching to HVO fuel and you need some advice, then please contact us.
