Understanding & Switching to HVO Renewable Diesel
Discover how renewable diesel can help you meet your organisation’s sustainability objectives.
Prema Energy & HVO Diesel
Prema Energy 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 specific 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 oils and fats which are converted to high quality fuel in a refinery. Prema only supplies waste-derived HVO which is predominantly made from used cooking oil – the most sustainable feedstock for biofuels.
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 recent, separate classification of cleaner transport fuels, and has almost zero sulphur and aromatics content.
Why is the use of HVO beneficial?
Better for the environment
The most significant benefit of using renewable biofuels like HVO is their sustainability. Unlike fossil fuels which are a finite resource whose extraction from deep under the earth’s surface causes immense environmental damage even before they are burned, Prema HVO is made from waste fats and oils which would otherwise add to environmental pollution when disposed of.
When fossil fuels are used, a considerable volume of greenhouse gas emissions is released. This is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. In contrast, the use of HVO fuel produces up to 85% 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.
HVO has cleaner “tailpipe” emissions when burned, contributing less NOx and particulates which are harmful both to local air quality and, especially, to workers exposed to exhaust fumes from vehicles and plant.
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 vehicles are approximately three to five times more expensive than diesel powered 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 marginally higher than regular diesel, many businesses, and most importantly their customers, are willing to pay a little more to make progress towards their sustainability and Net Zero targets.
Why use HVO Fuel?
Businesses are transitioning to HVO fuel as their liquid fuel of choice for a variety of reasons.
Reduced Emissions
HVO is a cleaner-burning fuel, producing significantly lower emissions compared to traditional diesel. It offers an 85% reduction in CO2 emissions, alongside reduction in particulate matter, and nitrogen oxide emissions.
Renewable and Sustainable
Prema HVO is made from 100% renewable sources; primarily waste vegetable oils. Our fuel is certified by the ISCC, making Prema HVO is the gold standard of renewable fuels.
Compatible with Existing Infrastructure
HVO is a “drop-in” fuel, meaning it can be used in modern diesel engines without any modifications. This makes it a convenient and cost-effective option for those looking to switch to a low carbon diesel alternative, without the need for capital expenditure.
Longer Shelf Life
HVO has a longer shelf life compared to traditional diesel; up to 10 years! This makes it a reliable option for businesses that may need to store fuel for extended periods without fear of degradation.
How to Use HVO Fuel in Your business?
Using HVO is as simple as using traditional diesel. It is a “drop-in” replacement fuel, meaning it can be used in the majority of existing diesel engines without any modifications. Here are some tips for using HVO fuel:
Check Compatibility
While HVO fuel is compatible with most diesel engines, it is always a good idea to check with your vehicle or engine manufacturer to ensure compatibility. Contact our sales team to see our extensive list of OEM approvals.
No tank cleaning required
HVO fuel can be used on its own or mixed with traditional diesel; in any ratio. There is no need to clean your tanks between using HVO and diesel. This means a vehicle running on diesel can be topped up with HVO directly.
Storage
HVO can be stored in the same way as traditional diesel, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. HVO fuel can stay in a tank for 10 years if stored correctly, without microbial growth
Where Can You Buy HVO Fuel?
HVO fuel use is becoming increasingly commonplace in businesses throughout the UK.
- Small business consumption: Our nationwide team of HVO distributors can supply your business with all quantities of HVO.
- Bulk deliveries: For businesses that require 20,000+ litres of HVO per delivery, our national logistics network can supply you directly with wholesale supply.
Switching to HVO Fuel
Switching to HVO fuel from traditional fuels is a simple process. One of the key advantages of HVO fuel is that it can be used as a drop-in replacement for regular diesel fuel without any modifications to your vehicle’s fuel tank or engine. This means that you can start using HVO diesel without the need for additional infrastructure or tank modifications.
Do you need HVO tanks on site? Our team can provide storage tanks for customers that require assistance with their fuel logistics.
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 be used by HGVs and heavy plant; boats and ships; forklifts and heavy lifters; cranes and construction plant.
HVO renewable diesel can also be used in agriculture, especially in tractors and other machinery that normally run on diesel, as well as in portable generators.
While HVO is, in theory, an excellent option for industrial heating oil applications like food and beverage manufacturers, grain dryers and asphalt plants, these uses are not covered by the UK government’s RTFO scheme so the fuel price is considerably higher. If you are looking to cut carbon from your heating applications, please see our Ultra Low Carbon Heating Oil and Prema B50 Heating Oil
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. Prema Energy, HVO Fuel supplier in the UK is here to help you with the transition.
Other Common use cases for HVO fuel
HVO renewable diesel has been gaining popularity in a wide range of industries. Many organisations are utilising HVO as a key component of their sustainability strategy. Industries that use HVO include:
- Transportation: Many transportation companies have started using HVO in their trucks and buses, reducing their carbon footprint and improving their overall efficiency.
- Construction: Construction companies have also started using HVO in their heavy machinery, reducing emissions and improving environmental performance on job sites.
- Agriculture: HVO renewable diesel is also being used in the agriculture industry, with farmers using it in their tractors and other equipment. This not only reduces emissions but also helps to support sustainable farming practices.
- Commercial boilers: HVO diesel is used in commercial boilers as an alternative to traditional diesel. The use of HVO in boilers helps to reduce the buildings CO2 emissions.
- Inland waterways: Inland waterways have also started using HVO fuel as a more sustainable alternative. HVO diesel can be used in boats and ships that navigate these waterways, helping to reduce emissions and support environmentally friendly transportation practices.
Certifications and Standards
Prema HVO fuel adheres to several certifications and standards; ensuring its quality and sustainability credentials. Our HVO fuel is accredited by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) and the Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS).
The ISCC certification ensures that HVO is produced sustainably, taking into account social, environmental, and economic aspects. It verifies that the feedstock used for HVO production meets specific sustainability criteria, such as not causing deforestation or displacing food production.
The RFAS certification focuses on the greenhouse gas emissions associated with HVO production. It ensures that our HVO renewable diesel achieves the stated level of carbon savings compared to traditional fossil fuels. This certification helps consumers and businesses make informed choices by providing transparency about the environmental impact of our HVO fuel.
In addition to certifications, our HVO also adheres to EN15940 standards. EN15940 is a European standard that defines the requirements and test methods for paraffinic diesel fuel derived from renewable sources. It covers parameters such as fuel composition, properties, and performance characteristics, ensuring that HVO meets specific quality standards. It is widely recognised by most OEM engine manufacturers.
This pioneering approach to replace our generator’s diesel provision with HVO fuel is a key step in the company’s efforts to become net zero, and a further demonstration of our leadership in the international data centre sustainability field.
Sustainability Director | Large North West Data Center
Who is Prema, the HVO Fuel supplier in the 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, Prema can help.
Prema’s team 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. If you do decide to switch fuels, we can offer full technical and engineering support in order to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to operations.
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 an ideal drop-in replacement for both regular diesel and A2 gasoil
(red diesel), and no modifications to existing equipment are required. HVO can be blended with diesel at any ratio without any adverse effects on performance or reliability so no need to empty or clean vehicle fuel tanks prior to switching.
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 fossil diesel as possible – and in some ways, even better.
HVO has a significantly longer shelf-life than biodiesel and the B7 road diesel sold in the UK 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 of your CO² reduction and the HVO fuel cost. This means that vehicles can freely switch between fuels with no concern. No need to ringfence vehicles with HVO in the tank while you transition, and no worries about running short on fuel away from base… simply top up with diesel and carry on.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
HVO stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, which is a biofuel made from waste oils. This fuel is an excellent low-carbon drop-in replacement for regular 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. In other parts of the world, like bioethanol and some biodiesels, it is increasingly made from purpose-grown crops.
The waste-derived HVO that Prema offers is the most sustainable type of HVO and it results in the lowest amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
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.
Whereas the extraction of crude oil for diesel production is extremely damaging to the environment, making fuel from waste has a positive contribution by preventing oils and fats from food production and preparation, and other industries, from adding to pollution in local areas, landfill, sewage systems and waterways.
In addition, compared to ordinary diesel, HVO can cut CO² emissions by up to 85%.
Using a specialised hydrotreatment technique, HVO can be made in a refinery from any vegetable oil or animal fat. In the UK, HVO is predominantly made from waste products 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.
The waste-derived HVO Prema supplies is predominantly made from used cooking oil and so is highly sustainable and offers the lowest greenhouse gas emissions.
HVO is growing in popularity. There is a small network of HGV refuelling stations now offering HVO on the pump in the UK. If you are lucky enough to be based near one of these you may find it a convenient option. By far the most environmentally and financially economical way to buy HVO currently is to install, or use existing, fuel storage and take deliveries of high quality, ISCC certified HVO from UK fuel suppliers who are also RFAS members.
If you’re looking for a reliable HVO supplier, the team at Prema Energy, would be delighted to discuss your requirements and offer our help with everything from tank procurement to carbon accounting as well as dependable, timely HVO fuel supply at a consistently competitive price.
Absolutely. HVO renewable diesel can be used as a drop-in replacement for all diesel powered applications including vehicles, plant, electricity generators and boilers.
HVO complies with the EN15940 criteria for paraffinic diesel fuels. However, you should still follow the engine manufacturer’s guidelines for the type of fuel – contact your vehicle supplier for guidance if you have questions about this to ensure warranties are unaffected.
