HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)

HVO is a drop-in alternative fuel, manufactured from 100% renewable and sustainable waste.

One of the cleanest, most high quality fuels currently on the market, it can be used as a replacement for regular fossil diesel and can significantly reduce fuel-related net CO2 emissions by up to 90%, without any engine modifications.

Practically FAME, sulphur and fossil free*, it is made using raw materials, such as vegetable fats and oils. Unlike conventional biodiesel, HVO is a fully saturated hydrocarbon, which makes HVO cleaner burning and ensures a longer shelf life.

HVO is suitable for on- and off-road vehicles, plant and machinery across a range of industries, including construction, agriculture, transport and logistics, marine and the public sector.

Alongside its strong sustainability credentials, HVO can be seamlessly integrated into existing vehicles and machinery. This makes it ideal for industries that want to realise significant carbon reduction but find it difficult to decarbonise due to current technology and electrification shortcomings.

HVO does cost slightly more than regular diesel but as demand and supply increase, we expect that the price will start to decrease.

Given the withdrawal of red diesel allowances for many industries, alternative fuels are becoming more popular as a cleaner, compliant and convenient alternative to white diesel. They are also much cheaper to implement than other sustainable solutions, which require investment in infrastructure.

We deliver HVO to businesses nationwide and the renewable fuel is also available at selected bunker sites across our extensive refuelling network – making Certas Energy the first in the UK to offer HVO to HGV fuel card users at the pump.

An example of a paraffinic diesel is HVO. A paraffinic diesel is a synthetic diesel with near-zero sulphur and very low aromatics content, reducing unregulated emissions of toxic hydrocarbons, nitrous oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). HVO meets the international fuel standard EN 15940, the specification for paraffinic diesel.

Yes. HVO is a type of biofuel – also known as a renewable diesel – produced from waste vegetable oils and fats.

Yes. HVO fuel is a completely compliant fuel that can be legally used to power on and off-road machinery and vehicles. HVO fuel can also be used as a heating solution, with minor boiler adjustments. Find out about the Future Ready Fuels project, which Certas Energy is helping to lead, with the goal of making HVO-powered boilers a reality.

Yes – HVO is paraffinic diesel fuel made via hydrotreatment. As it uses primarily waste vegetable oils and fats as the feedstock, it is both renewable and sustainable.

• HVO has a 10-year shelf life
• Low CFPP at -30 degrees
• HVO fuel is completely biodegradable
• It is a ‘cleaner’ fuel, practically FAME and fossil free*
• HVO often offers improved combustion in diesel engines

Certas Energy HVO provides an immediate opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 90% over the product life cycle, without the need for changes to engine, machinery or infrastructure.

As the UK moves towards the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, the way we fuel businesses is changing. HVO provides an instant impact for businesses working towards a lower emissions future.

Furthermore, HVO is a highly stable FAME-free fuel with limited risk of microbial growth.

HVO is a highly stable, practically FAME-free* fuel with no risk of microbial attack.

HVO fuel takes fatty acid feedstock such as vegetable oils and puts them through a process called hydrotreating or hydrogenation.

When acids go through hydrotreatment, hydrogen is introduced, changing the molecular structure of the vegetable oil.

Uniform, more simple hydrocarbon molecules are created containing fewer impurities than fossil-derived diesel. As a result, HVO fuel burns more cleanly, releases fewer emissions and is more environmentally-friendly.

HVO fuel is fully interchangeable with traditional diesel and can be mixed or blended at any percentage. Visit our blog to discover our flexible fuelling options that allow you to trial or gradually transition to the renewable fuel.

Like all fuel, the price of HVO is variable. Cost depends on a number of factors, including market changes, volume, availability and location.

Alternative fuels, such as HVO, currently cost slightly more than conventional diesel but as demand and supply increases, the price difference will decrease.

Certas Energy HVO is produced and accredited to meet the international fuel standard BS EN 15940, the specification for paraffinic diesel, and the Fuel Quality Directive 2009/30/EC Annex II.

Certas Energy delivers HVO to businesses nationwide and fleets can also fill up on HVO at selected bunker sites.

Despite being commonly known as a ‘green’ diesel, HVO is clear and colourless, like traditional white diesel. It is also odourless.

Yes. Certas Energy HVO is approved by the following manufacturers:

To check your vehicle or equipment model can use HVO, consult your manufacturer’s handbook or contact the manufacturer directly.

Yes. HVO fuel is available in the UK from Certas Energy. Contact your local team on 0345 600 4040 or complete this form to find out more.

HVO does not require a different tank and so businesses can use existing tanks to store the fuel. Like all flammable fuel, HVO must be stored in a cool, dry place and should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

HVO offers a longer shelf life to conventional diesel: up to 10 years. As it is practically FAME free*, there is a decreased risk of filter blockages or water contamination of bulk HVO fuel stocks. It is also less harmful to the environment in the event of a leak or spillage, as it is biodegradable.

We offer a wide range of fully compliant fuel storage tanks and our tank specialists can provide product and installation guidance.

Not always as not all HVO is created equal. The level of greenhouse gas emissions savings can vary by product, as they do not come entirely from tailpipe emissions. Savings are based on a life-cycle, well-to-wheel calculation, taking into account feedstock, production processes and transportation. Businesses need visibility of the fuel’s upstream supply chain so that they can substantiate their downstream sustainability claims.

We only partner with Zemo accredited and/or ISCC certified HVO suppliers, each one having a fully validated and auditable supply chain. So, you can be confident about the governance of Certas Energy HVO and trust that it meets the highest auditable product standards possible.

Read our ethical supply chain blog which details where to go for your HVO.

No matter what stage you are at on the net-zero emissions journey or what your unique energy priorities might be, Certas Energy is here to offer expert support. Through comprehensive analysis of the full energy value chain, our Cynergise experts can offer bespoke advice and recommendations to help identify unique opportunities to reduce costs, emissions and inefficiencies. So, your business can retain its competitive edge, sustainably.

There is no single solution to overcome air quality issues and over-reliance on conventional fuels but there is a wide-range of established and emerging technologies that can help support your transition to a low emission future. Readily-available alternative fuels can significantly – and instantly – reduce companies’ environmental impact and plug the net zero gap, without compromising operational performance. From helping to reduce harmful emissions to making a lasting difference, we’ll guide you every step of the way, from now until 2050 – and beyond. Get in touch to get started.

Yes. We also supply millions of litres of GTL Fuel across a broad range of industries. Without any engine modifications, our drop-in GTL Fuel offers environmental and performance benefits, including a long shelf-life, improved cold start performance, reduced engine noise and no odour. Speak to one of our experts to find out more.