Our previous blog entry mentioned that we were just about to pilot HVO as an alternative fuel source for our trucks.
Today, I wanted to share with you some of the technicalities and benefits of the move to HVO that led us to this trial that we are most excited about.
Advocates of HVO claim that this alternative fuel source, also known as green diesel, could reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%, which is astonishing and a positive move towards our goal of being a carbon-neutral operation. But it’s not just that; if HVO is as good as what we’re being told, it can replace fuel sources for vehicles, home heating and other machinery which is a complete game changer for the world.
A particular figure that caught my eye during my research into HVO is 0.195 tonnes. This is the number of Greenhouse Gases omitted per 1,000 litres of HVO burned compared to 3.6 tonnes for every 1,000 litres of diesel burned – a difference of about 180%!
So let me share with you some of the high end benefits of switching over to this fuel source:
Vehicles shouldn’t need to be adapted for HVO:
With HVO, many of the ingredients are identical to traditional diesel which means that it can either be blended or completely replace diesel fuel without a need to modify engines which is hugely appealing to ourselves and others in our industry.
HVO has a shelf life of 10 years:
HVO can be stored for up to 10 years without deteriorating or gaining water. This is a stark difference from traditional diesel fuel, with just a year of shelf life. The reason for this is that HVO is 100% bio and is FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) and sulphur-free, which means it doesn’t have stability issues.
Superior performance in cold conditions:
As a proudly European company, our drivers pass through many weather systems on their journey’s. With HVO, it is said that its low cloud point of -32 degrees Celsius enables an improved start in colder conditions with clean combustion.
HVO is also kinder to the engine as the particulate production during combustion is reduced, thus reducing the ageing of engine oils.
EU authorities approve HVO:
It’s important to us that anything we use in our operations has a rubber stamp from industry authorities. HVO adheres to EN 15940: 2016 and implementation of this alternative fuel is ongoing around Europe which we are very excited about.
This European Standard describes requirements and test methods for paraffinic diesel fuel marketed and delivered as such and containing a level of up to 7,0 % (V/V) fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). It is applicable to fuel for use in diesel engines and vehicles compatible with paraffinic diesel fuel. It defines two classes of paraffinic diesel fuel: high cetane and normal cetane.
HVO is kind to the environment:
HVO is 100% renewable, biodegradable and non-toxic for our environment. It is produced from waste fats, residues and vegetable oil and meets bio legislative requirements.
We are excited to test these benefits for ourselves and will be back with more on our results as we drive forward with HVO in 2022.
Alan Young
Founder & Director
