The use of HVO fuel UK-wide is becoming more and more widespread among companies, and for good reason. HVO is a second-generation low-carbon diesel that helps businesses comply with the UK regulations, standards, duties, and incentives that are driving the country towards its Net Zero goals. This blog aims to help you understand the various environmental benefits of using HVO fuel here in the UK.
Basic Information About HVO
Contrary to popular belief, HVO is not the same as biodiesel. While both are viable fossil-free alternatives to conventional diesel, they are produced in different ways and follow two different fuel standards. However, HVO has fewer disadvantages and issues.
HVO fuel is a low-emission and low-carbon synthetic fuel alternative to regular diesel. It is completely fossil-free and is instead produced using renewable waste materials such as used cooking oil, tall oil by-products, non-food grade crop-based vegetable oil fractions, and residue fat fractions from food and slaughterhouse industries. HVO can be swapped for regular diesel at any time and can even be mixed with other fuels without affecting machinery’s reliability and performance.
HVO is considered one of the cleanest fuel alternatives, eliminating CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent. It also reduces the emission of other harmful substances like nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide.
HVO fuel is not a brand-new product. It has been proven to be environmentally friendly after long-term use within various industries for the past 15 years. Various research studies conducted by independent firms and other third parties have provided significant evidence on its emissions and performance, and the results have been entirely satisfying so far.
Toxicity Level Of HVO Fuel
Because HVO fuel is created from renewable waste resources, it is 100% biodegradable, odourless, and virtually non-toxic. As such, it is completely safe to use as a diesel fuel alternative. HVO is created to EN 15940 standards, which is the specification required for paraffinic diesel fuels. This means in effect that it can be used interchangeably for fossil fuels without any need to upgrade your existing infrastructure. In short, it reduces your company’s carbon emissions without doing any damage to your machinery’s output level and performance.
Environmental Effects Of HVO Fuel
The adverse environmental effects of HVO fuel are so low because it primarily uses renewable waste materials in its manufacturing. HVO fuel carries International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), which is an independent certification system that rates various fuels based on their environmental effects. This means that HVO meets the minimum environmental, traceability, and social requirements.
HVO fuel is also fully accepted by the UK Government, which has classified it as a renewable fuel within the Road Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO). HVO is also fully biodegradable, which means that in the event of a leak or a spillage of this fuel, any potential environmental damage will be minimal. HVO fuel is compliant with the EU REACH regulations under the OECD test guideline 301 B, which is another point in favour of its biodegradability.
The crops used in manufacturing HVO fuel do not damage the environment or the ecosystem. This makes HVO fuel a very attractive alternative for companies that are seeking to go green.
Are you interested in integrating HVO fuel into your business? HVO Fuel UK is here to help you. We are the leading supplier of specialised fuel oil in the UK, offering our products to a wide variety of companies and organisations, including the Ministry of Defence, NHS, Maersk, Certas Energy, Tullibardine, and more.
We sell a wide range of alternative fuel options, including HVO, GTL, industrial heating oil, low-carbon heating oil, and more. Not only do we supply high-quality products, but we also offer a competitive HVO fuel price per litre – perfect for businesses looking to reducing their expenses.
Our team is highly diverse and carries a great deal of expertise, from employees with backgrounds in the big oil industry to liquid fuel experts. If you work with us, we’ll help you achieve a substantial reduction in your company’s fuel consumption and expenses.
Taking advantage of our products will also help you in your quest to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, enabling you to go a long way to complying with Government’s ambitious environmental goals and regulations. There’s no need for you to keep carrying out HVO fuel price comparisons; we’ll provide you with the best plan for your budget while still meeting all your specific requirements.
If you’re interested in finding out more, why not schedule a meeting or phone call with us today?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is HVO fuel?
HVO is a bio-based fuel that can help lower your carbon emissions. HVO Fuel UK supplies the market with HVO fuel that is 100% waste-derived from residual food industry fats, tall oil by-products, and used cooking oil, among other products. It can be used in traditional diesel engines, either alone or in combination with petrodiesel.
Is HVO a drop-in fuel?
Yes. HVO fuel is a direct alternative to diesel that can be used as a drop-in fuel. It can be used in conjunction with or as a replacement for traditional diesel. If you’re a business currently utilising fossil diesel and want to reduce your carbon emissions, HVO fuel is an excellent solution.
What is HVO fuel made from?
HVO or Hydrotreated vegetable oil diesel in the UK is made from waste materials such as vegetable oils. The hydrotreatment process is used to remove impurities.
Chemically hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVOs) are paraffinic hydrocarbon mixes that are free from sulphur and aromatics. These fuels are referred to as “renewable diesels” instead of “bio-diesels”.
Can you mix HVO and diesel?
HVO is fully miscible with mineral diesel, meaning the two can be blended in any ratio. Consequently, the two fuels can be stored in the same tank, and current traditional diesel supplies can be topped up with HVO at any time. However, some of the benefits of using HVO fuel might be lost due to the qualities of mineral diesel.
How do you make HVO?
HVO fuel in the UK can be made using a variety of methods, including hydrocracking. Hydrodeoxygenation, often known as hydrogenation or simply hydrotreatment, is perhaps the most prevalent way to make HVO. Hydrogen is added to either a plant- or animal-based feedstock in this procedure.
Is HVO same as biodiesel?
No. Biodiesel RME is a first-generation biodiesel that meets the standard EN 14214. In contrast, HVO is a second-generation low-carbon diesel that meets the standard EN 15940. Paraffinic bio-based liquid fuel in the UK doesn’t carry the same sustainability issues as biodiesel because the former can be made with waste materials.
HVO Can Reduce The UK’s Reliance On Fossil Fuels
Renewable diesel fuel in the UK such as HVO possess characteristics that make them an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. The goal of using renewable biofuels is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.
There are a few factors to consider when it comes to buying HVO in the UK. The first one is the availability of the product. As the demand for diesel gets tighter, the Government is more likely to support the production of HVO, also regulating the HVO fuel cost UK-wide.
Despite the current cost and complexity of sourcing HVO, many businesses in the UK are increasingly adopting it as an alternative fuel option. Its various advantages make it an attractive choice for businesses looking to cut down on carbon emissions.
Uses Of Biofuels
Biofuels are a clean and renewable fuel source that can be used for various purposes. They can be easily replenished and are low in greenhouse gas emissions.
But what are they used for, exactly? Here are three of the most common purposes for biofuels today:
- Heating
Without processing or treatment, primary biofuels are commonly used to heat homes in developing countries.
- Transport
Biofuels can be used as an alternative to traditional petrol sources for vehicles. They can also help boost fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Although some biofuels first need to be analysed for impurities, this is not a problem for HVO. This is because HVO can be used as a seamless replacement for fossil diesel in diesel engines.
- Lubrication
Regardless of the type of machinery used in any industry, regular maintenance via lubrication is required to ensure smooth operations. Lubrication is also essential as it helps extend the longevity of machines.
Traditional oil-based and diesel-based lubricants are the most commonly used lubricants for maintenance. However, their use has been proven harmful to the environment. Biofuels offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to fossil lubricants.
Overall, biofuels such as HVO can fulfil many of the same functions as their fossil fuel counterparts, all causing less harm to the environment in the process. HVO fuel, in particular, stands out as one of the most viable options among all biofuels. This is because HVO offers excellent reliability and performance without compromising sustainability or eco-friendliness.
Greenhouse gas emissions present a grave threat for all. However, we at HVO Fuel UK provide sustainable energy solutions without negatively impacting the environment. Visit our homepage to learn more.
