At OilMaxx, we always strive to give our customers as much information as possible to make the best decisions. The more you know, the easier the decision is. Any gas oil stakeholder will have seen the industry advertising their own HVO fuel, so what exactly is it? Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is becoming more widely used worldwide. A study projects that in Europe, HVO production capacity will increase to 17.805 million tonnes by 2030, a considerable growth from the 5.387 million in 2021. If you’re in the market for fuel, you’ve likely come across HVO as an increasingly popular option, particularly across Europe and the UK. Given its rapid growth and rising demand, we’ve put together this guide to explain what Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is and why it’s gaining traction as a fuel choice.
What is HVO fuel?
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, or HVO, is a 100% renewable biofuel made from waste materials such as animal fat or processed vegetable oils. Using a specialist hydrotreatment process, these materials are converted into a high-quality renewable diesel. Due to how it’s made, HVO is classed as renewable diesel and is renowned for having a longer shelf life than other biodiesels, typically lasting up to 10 years.
How is HVO manufactured?
HVO uses a specialist hydro-processing treatment to process the fatty acids, such as cooking, animal fat or vegetable oils, and some algae or jatropha. The acids then go through hydrotreatment. At this stage, hydrogen is introduced to the process to make paraffin and cycloalkanes out of the unsaturated compounds. These less reactive and more stable compounds then undergo hydrocracking or isomerisation, which heightens the quality of the fuels.
What’s the difference between HVO fuel & other diesel fuels?
HVO is different to other diesel fuels. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil is an eco-friendly alternative to other traditional types of diesel. HVO fuels have been reported to reduce carbon monoxide and dioxide straight from the initial usage. Some experts have highlighted that the HVO process gives it an advantage over other biofuels, as it is not subject to the 7% blend rule when blended for diesel which more conventional biofuels are subject to. Thanks to its hydro-processing treatment, it’s also potentially more stable than unmodified oil.
Pros and Cons of using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil?
As with most things in life, there are positives and negatives to using this new diesel alternative.
The Pros:
- Fuel efficiency improvement – The fuel burns more cleanly and more thoroughly
- Using HVO releases fewer NOx, PM, and CO2 emissions than traditional diesel.
- Improves local air quality instantly by switching
- Drop-in fuel – You can switch today, and nothing needs to be changed! There is no need to modify your existing infrastructure.
- Longer shelf life – Compared to other biodiesel fuels, HVO has no expiration and can typically be stored for up to 10 years.
- Excellent cold-weather performance – HVO fuel has a low cloud point and can be used in extreme temperatures to -42 degrees.
- Readily-biodegradable – Less toxic than standard diesel and virtually odourless, HVO breaks down naturally in soil and water, reducing environmental risk in the event of a spill.
The Cons:
- More expensive – The cost of HVO is higher than standard diesel but not as costly as updating your infrastructure. HVO users are calling on the Government to rebate the Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil.
- Limited availability – Compared to the rest of the EU, the UK’s supply of HVO is underdeveloped.
- Not emission-free – As a transitional fuel, HVO still produces some emissions. While it helps reduce carbon output significantly, zero-emission technologies like electric and hydrogen will be essential for long-term decarbonisation.
Overall, HVO offers a high-performance, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels for both homes and businesses. OilMaxx supplies reliable, high-quality HVO to support your transition to cleaner energy. Contact your local depot for all your fuelling needs.