Benefits of HVO Fuel
Learn More About HVO Fuel UK
The Best Resource for Information on Renewable Diesel Fuel
A sustainable alternative to fossil diesel
No matter whether you’re a person or a business looking to cut your carbon footprint, there are multiple options for doing this, but not all will allow you to do this so easily and conveniently. Especially for those running modern diesel engine vehicles, using modern diesel generators or oil-fired heating systems, because HVO fuel is a drop-in replacement for diesel, gas oil and heating oils such as kerosene.
Of course, just being a drop-in alternative to fossil fuels isn’t going to be reason enough for many and we agree, so for that reason we’ve considered many of the benefits for both people looking for a cleaner alternative to fossil diesel fuels and businesses that are looking to lower the environmental impact of their operations.
What makes HVO a renewable and sustainable fuel?
For those new to HVO fuel, it’s a diesel alternative which is made from renewable vegetable oils and animal fats. It’s produced through a process called hydrotreating, which removes impurities and produces a type of fuel that is chemically identical to fossil diesel. Allowing the majority of diesel engine vehicles to use it as a drop-in replacement, often without modification to the engine.
So rather than relying on fossil fuels to refine diesel, a range of fats and oils are being repurposed to develop the cleaner burning HVO fuel. Although the fuel is chemically similar to fossil diesel, meaning it can be used in existing diesel engines without modification. Disposing of the fuel is far easier and less corrosive than fossil fuels which can cause damage to the environment if not properly cleaned up after any spillages.
Lower greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels
This is one of the most common benefits praised by manufacturers, suppliers and indeed, end users of HVO fuel. When comparing HVO fuel to conventional fossil diesel, HVO emits far less carbon dioxide (CO2) with estimates of an up to 90% reduction in emissions. But it’s not just CO2, there’s also reductions in nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and other harmful pollutants.
The reason for this is because impurities in the fats and oils that are used to produce HVO fuel, are filtered out leaving us with a fuel with a lower carbon content, resulting in a cleaner combustion, with reduced emissions. Not only that, but because the production of HVO fuel typically involves the use of waste or by-products from the food industry and others, which gives them a second life and helps to reduce the environmental impact of the fuels production.
One thing to bear in mind when considering any quoted figures, including those of the emissions from HVO fuel. Is that the exact emissions reduction potential of HVO can and will often depend on several factors, including the specific feedstocks used in the production of the fuel and the conditions under which it is to be used.
Reduced vehicle exhaust emissions from the tailpipe
Although it’s widely reported that HVO fuel can help to limit the exhaust emission of any diesel engine vehicle using it. Many will point to Adblue as something that’s already been implemented by manufacturers to handle this very issue already, so do we really need to use HVO fuel instead of or even with Adblue?
Well here is the thing, one of the main problems historically with diesel engine vehicles was always the exhaust emissions. Of course, things have hugely improved over the years, especially with the introduction of Adblue of course and the improvements in diesel engines as a whole. So for many, they will already feel like they’re doing enough already.
Unsure what Adblue is? It’s a colourless and non-toxic liquid that is a mix of water and urea. It works by injecting tiny amounts of AdBlue into the flow of exhaust gases. Inside the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst, harmful nitrogen oxide in the exhaust reacts with ammonia and is transformed to harmless nitrogen and water.
So when vehicles switch from using fossil diesel to HVO fuel and Adblue, even less exhaust emissions will be produced than regular diesel, resulting in lower particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, than produced by the use of fossil diesel. This in turn leads to improved air quality and reduced health risks associated with exposure to diesel exhaust fumes from the vehicle’s exhaust tailpipe.
Improved diesel vehicle engine performance
One of the reasons why HVO fuel is considered to be better for the environment, is because it’s more efficient at turning the fuel into energy when burned in diesel vehicle engines. This leads to improved engine performance, reduced engine wear, and a longer engine life. All benefits for anybody looking to make the switch of course, but how is this possible?
This is possible due to HVO fuel’s potentially improved diesel vehicle engine performance due to the higher cetane number, when compared to conventional diesel. In short, a higher cetane number when discussing diesel fuel, indicates that the fuel can ignite more easily and burn more completely in a diesel vehicle engines. “Potentially improved”, because this largely depends on the condition of the engine which to be fair, would also make fossil diesel fuel efficient too.
It’s important to note that HVO fuels’ impact on engine performance depends on several factors. These can and will include the engine design and the operating conditions under which the fuel is used.
Compatibility with existing diesel vehicle engines
One of the most important benefits for those looking to take advantage of many or even all of the benefits that HVO fuel has over fossil diesel fuel is the compatibility with the majority of modern diesel engines and infrastructure. Technically, HVO should be considered a drop-in replacement for fossil diesel without any modifications, but if your vehicle is still under warranty and you do not want to risk that. It would be advisable to check with your vehicle’s manufacturer to ensure that they’ve tested and approved your diesel engine for use with HVO fuel.