Blog: What is HVO?

As the UK’s net carbon zero target approaches and the country moves towards a greener future, it is more important than ever to get your businesses green credentials up to scratch.

A simple switch can help you on this journey. Diesel- fuelled products such, as space heaters can now be fuelled with HVO, a cleaner fuel that is changings industrial fuel supply.

Let us help you understand HVO so your business can become part of the green-fuel revolution!

What is HVO?

‘HVO’ stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable oil. It is a biofuel, and it offers a fossil-free alternative to mineral diesel.

What is HVO made from?

HVO is a paraffinic diesel fuel that originates from many kinds of vegetable oils and animal fats. These include:

• Rapeseed oil
• Sunflower
• Soybean

These substances go through a process called ‘Hydrotreatment’, which converts them into to a fuel that is almost identical to diesel.

HVO is part of the ‘Paraffinic Diesel family’ - a group of fuels that are clean and pure. They are characterised by there low aroma and zero sulphur content.

As a ‘renewable’ energy source, this fuel is derived from a supply that is not depleted with continuous use. For HVO, the supply of these raw more materials is continuous, making it more sustainable.

As it is created from 100% raw organic material, its environmental benefits are countless and it can reduce net CO2 greenhouse emission by up to 90%.

Its green credentials don’t stop there, as it also significantly reduces the emission of carbon dioxide when burned - great for oil fired heaters in enclosed work spaces.

Why is diesel not sustainable?

Diesel is an extremely stable and reliable fuel, and in many ways is safe for the environment. It is the first choice of fuel for heating application and needs.

However, as it derived from crude oil – a fossil fuel which, when burned, releases large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.

As a result of the UK climate target and a movement towards a greener future, biofuels such as HVO are being used in place of diesel because of their significantly smaller impact on the environment.

What are the advantages of using HVO?

You have probably gathered some of the most obvious advantages of switching to HVO from standard diesel. However, it is important to have all the facts, including whether it is financially sustainable for your business needs. So, here are some more advantages of using HVO fuel over other diesel fuels:

• The initial concerns around a new fuel surround how adapt storage conditions to suit it. The great news about bringing HVO into your business is that it can be used as a direct drop-in alternative to diesel. It can be stored in the same fuel tank and be used in the same applications the white diesel it is replacing.

• The environmental performance of HVO extends to the fuel in use. This means, as well as improving air quality, it can also improve the life span of engines it is being used in, as it is cleaner and offers improved combustion.

• In terms of economics, HVO has a significantly longer shelf-life of 10 years, compared to just 1 year for mineral diesel. This significantly reduces the need for regular testing and stock replacement.

• The cost of producing Biofuel is currently 10% more than regular diesel, so there is an initial financial hit. However, as the government becomes more and more keen for businesses to adopt biofuel we are likely to see the cost efficiency of biofuel increase as the market begins to create pressure for such alternatives.

• The actual process of ‘Hydrotreatment’ to source oil removes impurities which means safer-handling on site.

• Using such a fuel increases your businesses Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This self-reflective business model has become very popular in the United Kingdom. It is a type of self-regulation that a business or company adopts to ensure, in practice, they are meeting legal and ethical standards in their business practice. The switch to HVO would do this as it takes into account both environmental and social considerations.

• HVO can be blended safely with conventional diesel. This allows a flexible amount of time to get used to the new fuel, as well cutting out the need for a long transition period.

Which heaters can use HVO?

In terms of heating applications, HVO can also be used as a sustainable alternative to diesel and kerosene.

Within the Government’s climate commitment is the sustainability of heating homes and businesses. A switch to HVO as your heating fuel will help you comply with this faster.

HVO can be used as a drop-in alternative to diesel without having to make replacements to the machinery you are using.

Conclusively, current Arcotherm oil fired heaters can be fuelled by HVO. Master will follow suit shortly by ensuring all of their new oil-fired heater models can be fuelled using HVO.