Leading the way to a sustainable future with HVO

What is HVO and HVO100?

HVO is a renewable diesel fuel produced by hydrogenating and hydrocracking various fats and vegetable oils. Sources can include rapeseed oil, waste cooking oil and animal fats. The biodiesel is called HVO100 in its pure form, rather than as a blend of HVO and diesel. Free of sulphur, oxygen and aromatic hydrocarbons, it is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil diesel. It has a higher heating value per kg than fossil diesel. The HVO production process involves the hydrogenation of fats or oils, where hydrogen is added to break double bonds, followed by hydrodeoxygenation and/or decarboxylation to remove oxygen from the feedstock, producing paraffinic hydrocarbons that meet specific fuel standards. This advanced production process makes it possible to produce a fuel with similar chemical properties to fossil diesel. This makes it compatible with existing modern engines without the need for modification – all Euro 6 and most Euro 5 can run on it, but always check with the manufacturer.

Smaller carbon footprint and tailpipe emissions with HVO

HVO100 diesel is known for significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 % through its life cycle compared to regular diesel. It also reduces other emissions and raw materials like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, making it a much cleaner alternative in terms of air quality impact.

• Good cold start properties
  HVO maintains good performance even at low temperatures, which is crucial for vehicles operating in colder climates. Unlike some biofuels that may gel or wax under cold conditions, HVO continues to flow freely, ensuring reliable engine starts and operation.
• Compatibility with diesel engines
  HVO can be utilised in diesel engines without any need for modifications. This compatibility with existing infrastructure and vehicle fleets makes it an attractive option for immediate adoption, reducing the need for costly engine overhauls or new vehicle purchases.
• Renewability
  Produced from renewable resources like vegetable oils, waste cooking oils, and animal fats, HVO is a sustainable fuel option. Its production from waste and residues also adds an element of waste reduction and resource efficiency to its environmental credentials.
• Versatility
  HVO can be used in its pure form (HVO100) or blended with conventional diesel in varying proportions such as HVO25, HVO33, or HVO50. This versatility allows for flexible usage across different needs and regulatory environments, facilitating easier transition from fossil fuels.
• Simple implementation
  Many sites are replacing premium diesel pumps with HVO100 pumps, eliminating the need for new infrastructure at the station.
• Longer shelf life and storage stability
  Compared to regular biodiesel, also known as FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters), HVO demonstrates superior storage stability, which can prevent issues like oxidation and sediment formation over time. This makes it a more reliable choice for long-term storage and use in various fuel supply chains.

… and the challenges of HVO for the mobility sector?

While Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) offers significant environmental and operational benefits, it is not without its challenges, particularly in terms of costs and regulatory approvals. The production of HVO is generally more expensive than that of fossil diesel or even other biofuels like FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters). This higher cost is largely due to the complex processing required, including hydrogenation and hydrocracking of fats and oils, which also involves high capital investment in processing facilities. Additionally, the price of HVO100 can be volatile, depending on the availability and cost of feedstocks, which are subject to fluctuations in the global agricultural market.

On the regulatory side, HVO must meet stringent certifications to be approved for use in various markets. Each country or region may have specific certifications that dictate the blend ratios and usage of renewable diesels like HVO, necessitating comprehensive testing processes to ensure compliance. This can delay market entry and increase costs, further complicating the widespread adoption of HVO as a sustainable alternative fuel. However, the fact that HVO is exempt from the CO2 price increases the preference for biodiesel.

Expanding horizons: HVO's market growth across europe

HVO has seen considerable adoption across several European markets, each with its unique developments.

• In Finland, the journey began with the opening of Neste's first refinery in 2007, positioning the country as a pioneer in HVO production.
• Sweden followed suit, leveraging its domestic resources like tall oil to enhance its HVO capabilities, and today is recognised for its innovative use of renewable diesel.
• Great Britain has also participated actively in the HVO market, focusing on reducing transportation emissions through increased HVO usage.
• From spring 2024, paraffinic diesel HVO may be sold at petrol stations in Germany.
• In Spain Repsol invested in their own refinery in the south of the country and already has around 300 stations with HVO.
• In Italy Eni is promoting HVO extensively, most of the market is supplied by their two refineries, and the price of product is lower than fossil diesel.