HVO or biodiesel – which fuel is right for your business?
Both HVO and biodiesel are biofuels which means that they are often mistaken for each other. In truth, HVO and biodiesel have many differences, from how they’re made, their use cases and specifications. In this guide we breakdown exactly what HVO and biodiesel are, how they differ and which is right for your business.
To speak to one of our fuel experts call 0330 678 0880 today to discuss your requirements.
What is HVO fuel?
Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO fuel) and is a second-generation biofuel that reduces net CO2 emissions by up to 90% when compared with fossil diesel. HVO is a paraffinic and fully renewable diesel that adheres to EN 15940 specifications making it a drop-in replacement to diesel without you needing to make modifications to your existing engines or infrastructure.
What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is often referred to as FAME diesel and is a first-generation biofuel. Biodiesel is mostly used to increase the bio content of road transport fuel by blending up to 7% into diesel. Higher concentration blends can be produced up to B100 (100% biodiesel) which has environmental benefits over B7 but higher blends often require modifications to engines.
What’s the difference between HVO and biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a first-generation biofuel made from a number of different raw materials such as used cooking oil, tallow and virgin vegetable oil. Whilst biodiesel is blended into B7 diesel and used throughout many UK forecourts, higher blends have never made it into mass production in the UK due to technical issues such as poor cold temperature performance and the need for engine modifications.
HVO on the other hand, is an innovative second-generation biofuel that does not suffer from the same operational problems of FAME (even though it is manufactured from the same raw material as Biodiesel). HVO does not attract moisture in the same way as biodiesel, which gives it exceptional long term storage properties of up to 10 years; the chemical structure of HVO also offers exceptional cold weather performance, with a cold filter plugging point of up to -27°C.
We’re a leading supplier of both HVO and biodiesel, Call 0330 678 0880 to place an order with a member of our team today.
How is HVO fuel made?
HVO is made through the hydrotreatment of certified waste vegetable oils and fats. The hydrotreatment process splits oxygen from the oils and forms them into hydrocarbon chains comparable to those found in conventional diesel products. It’s completely non-toxic, biodegradable and free from aromatics, sulphur and fossil content providing significant net GHG emission savings by as much as 90%.
How is FAME biodiesel made?
Biodiesel is made through a transesterification process using a suitable catalyst, mixing natural oils or animal fats with methanol – this process also produces glycerol as a by-product. Biodiesel is eco-friendly, biodegradable and non-toxic which gives it significant emission savings over conventional diesel.
What specifications do HVO and biodiesel meet?
HVO meets EN 15940 specifications (link) for paraffinic fuels, ASTM D975 and the Fuel Quality Directive 2009/30/EC Annex II. Biodiesel meets EN 14214 specifications (link) which – Both FAME biodiesel and UCOMe biodiesel come under this standard.
Are HVO and biodiesel compatible with diesel-powered equipment and vehicles?
While B7 meets EN 590 specifications, blends that contain more biodiesel content are not fit for diesel-powered vehicles that require EN 590 – instead they are to be used in vehicles that are approved for use of EN 14214 fuels. EN 15940 fuels, such as HVO, can be used in place of EN 590 fuels in engines and machinery when the OEM has approved the use of an EN 15940 fuel. EN 15940 and EN 590 fuels are easily interchangeable therefore equipment approved for both can use both fuel types easily, whereas a machine operating with EN 14214 fuel may require modification to switch back to EN 590 fuel.
*Please note that you must check with your OEM before using HVO with your existing equipment.
To place an order for EN 15940 spec HVO fuel, call 0330 678 0880 to speak to a member of our HVO team.
What are the benefits of HVO over biodiesel?
- An innovative fuel solution over first-generation biofuels
- Approved for use by a range of manufacturers
- A true drop-in replacement to diesel without the need to make any modifications or upgrades
- Reduced maintenance costs due to HVO not containing FAME
- A 10 year-shelf life compared to 1 year for biodiesel
- Exceptional cold weather performance thanks to a lower CFPP of up to -27°C
Is biodiesel or HVO better for the environment?
HVO reduces net GHG emissions of fuel consumption by up to 90% when compared to traditional diesel. The emission savings of biodiesel depends on the blend of the fuel and how long the fuel will be stored for. Biodiesel that’s stored for longer than 6 months can degrade over time and potentially become unusable which means that it will need replacing. For these reasons, HVO is considered to better for the environment and for long-term use.
How to switch to HVO and biodiesel
The HVO switch process is easy as it’s completely miscible with diesel which means you can refuel your diesel tanks with HVO today and start reducing emissions today. For the full benefits of the renewable fuel, we can uplift your old fuel and clean your tank, removing any sludge or debris, before refueling your tank with HVO.
Before switching to biodiesel, you must consider the blend of fuel that you wish to use and check that your equipment is suitable for EN 14214 specification fuels – modifications or upgrades may be required to ensure that your fuel systems are protected.
We offer a full HVO transition service. Speak to a member of our HVO team by calling 0330 678 0880 today.
Are there any other biofuels as well as HVO and biodiesel?
While HVO and biodiesel are the most common types of biofuel, there are others including:
Bioethanol
Bioethanol is only suitable for petrol (SI) engines and works well at high altitudes. It’s easy to produce but can be corrosive to fuel tanks and seals within the engine and is less efficient than other biofuels.
Biogas
As its name implies, biogas is a gas unlike most other biofuels which tend to be in liquid form. Biogas is also only suitable for petrol (SI) engines and is produced through anaerobic decomposition of a range of organic matter from waste food, food crops and even manure. It’s produced mainly from methane and CO2 which brings several drawbacks due to methane’s capability to hold more heat than CO2.
Third generation biofuels
Third-generation biofuels are no more advanced than the second-generation, they just instead use algae in their production so are identified as a separate biofuel. Using algae for biofuels removes some of the sustainability concerns surrounding land use that first and second-generation biofuels may suffer from.
Are HVO and biodiesel widely available?
B7 biodiesel is available at all UK forecourts however, this fuel does not provide the same environmental benefits as higher biodiesel blends. While higher blend biodiesels can be widely sourced, the fuel is gradually being phased out in favor of second-generation biofuels which are easier to deploy. HVO fuel is currently available at some UK forecourts but this is not common, therefore many fleet operators opt to have HVO delivered and if they need fuel on the road, will refuel with B7. With that said, HVO production is growing rapidly and more and more fuel stations are opening each year.
We’re a leading provider of both HVO and biodiesel nationwide with industry-leading delivery times and can supply as much of each fuel as you require.
*Please note that we require a minimum order quantity of 10,000 litres for biodiesel.
Why choose Nationwide Fuels for HVO fuel?
- 24-48 hour deliveries as standard nationwide
- 24/7 emergency fuel supplies, 365 days a year
- Range of quantities available including 36,000+ litre bulk deliveries – and if you need more, we’ll send more tankers
- One-to-one support with a dedicated account manager and free fuel management
- Our HVO is verified at import under International Sustainability Carbon Certification (ISCC)
- An approved supplier of HVO under Zemo’s Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS)
- End-to-end project management for renewable fuel transitions
- Streamline your fuel orders – one solution for renewable fuels, lubricants, maintenance services
- Carbon neutral fuel supplier in line with PAS 2060:2014 and ISO-14064-1 standards
- Flexible credit terms to suit the budget and schedule of your business
Grab a HVO quote using our form below or call 0330 678 0880 today to place an order with a member of our HVO team.
* Nationwide Fuels, HVO fuel complies with BS EN 15940 being the British Standard for paraffinic diesel fuel which is a new generation of cleaner transport fuel for use in road vehicles. If your vehicle is still within the manufacturer`s warranty or if you have taken out mechanical breakdown insurance, we recommend you check with the manufacturer or insurer that use of our product will not affect your cover. We cannot be held responsible for any issues with your vehicle connected to its age or pre-existing condition.
