As UK farmers navigate the evolving landscape of agricultural sustainability, the focus on reducing emissions and meeting environmental standards is growing. While diesel remains essential for farm operations, an alternative fuel is emerging that allows farmers to reduce emissions without costly changes to machinery or infrastructure. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a renewable, drop-in fuel that offers an immediate way to lower the carbon footprint of farm operations.
What is HVO?
HVO is a renewable fuel produced from waste-based and sustainable feedstocks such as used vegetable oils. It undergoes a hydrotreatment process that removes impurities, resulting in a high-quality fuel that can be used in existing diesel engines with no modifications. Unlike some biofuels, HVO is resistant to microbial growth and has a long shelf life, making it well-suited for agricultural use.
How Can Farmers Use HVO?
One of the key benefits of HVO is its flexibility. It can be used as a direct replacement for diesel or blended with standard diesel in any ratio. This means that farms do not need to commit to an all-or-nothing switch. By incorporating HVO into their fuel strategy, farms can gradually reduce emissions while maintaining operational reliability.
HVO is increasingly available as a ‘red’ or rebated alternative. As demand increases, availability should expand further, offering greater accessibility for farms of all sizes. If you are interested in finding out more about rebated HVO for farm use, then contact our specialist team today.
The Benefits of HVO for Agriculture
HVO provides several advantages that make it a compelling choice for farms looking to future-proof their operations:
- Immediate Emissions Reduction – HVO can reduce net lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to standard diesel. *
- No Engine Modifications Required – Farmers can use HVO in their current diesel-powered machinery, eliminating the need for costly equipment upgrades.
- Peace of mind on warranties and leasing agreements – While any diesel machine can run on HVO, many farm equipment manufacturers have officially approved it for use in their vehicles (HVO is OEM approved by John Deere, CLAAS, Kubota, Kohler, Deutz, Caterpillar, and many more).
- Cold Weather Performance – With a Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) as low as -20°C, HVO is well-suited for year-round farm operations.
- Reduced Maintenance Issues – Unlike traditional biodiesel, HVO is practically free from FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters), reducing the risk of filter blockages and microbial contamination.
- Long Shelf Life – HVO remains stable in storage for up to 10 years, far longer than conventional diesel, which is prone to degradation within months.
Meeting Evolving Industry and Market Expectations
While there are currently no government subsidies for HVO in agriculture, the industry is moving towards higher environmental standards. Some food buyers and retailers are already considering environmental credentials when selecting suppliers. Farms that demonstrate progress in reducing their emissions may find it easier to align with evolving supply chain expectations and secure long-term contracts.
Is HVO the Right Choice for Your Farm?
HVO offers a practical way to reduce emissions without disrupting farm operations. Whether used as a full replacement or blended with diesel, it provides flexibility in managing fuel costs while working towards sustainability goals. As awareness and availability grow, it could become an important part of the agricultural fuel mix in the years ahead.
For more information on how HVO can be integrated into your farm’s fuel strategy, contact Certas Energy today.
*Reduction in emissions is based on net lifecycle CO₂ greenhouse gas emissions as compared to standard diesel.
