What Is HVO Fuel & Why Is It Sustainable

In a world racing toward net-zero, the question isn’t if we should switch to cleaner energy, but how. 

As industries and households alike hunt for practical low-carbon solutions, one fuel is quietly making waves: HVO. 

You’ve probably heard of it in conversations around cleaner construction or alternatives, but what exactly is it, and more importantly, is HVO fuel sustainable enough to power the future?

In this blog, we’ll unpack the basics of HVO, explore how it stacks up against traditional fuels, and take a closer look at its benefits. 

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore what makes HVO one of today’s most talked-about sustainable fuel options.

What Is HVO Fuel?

HVO stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, a type of renewable diesel made from waste-derived oils and fats. 

It is created using hydrotreatment, a more advanced refining method that results in a cleaner, higher-quality fuel. 

The process removes impurities and saturates the molecules with hydrogen, making HVO chemically similar to fossil diesel but without the environmental baggage.

The raw materials used to produce HVO typically include used cooking oil, animal fats, and other waste oils, resources that would otherwise go to waste. 

Through hydrotreatment, these feedstocks are converted into paraffinic hydrocarbons, resulting in a fuel that’s stable, high-performing, and free from oxygen.

From trucks and tractors to generators and construction equipment, sustainable HVO fuel is compatible with a wide range of diesel-powered machinery.

Why Is HVO Fuel Considered Sustainable?

HVO fuel is widely recognised as one of the most sustainable alternatives to fossil diesel. Below are the 5 core reasons why HVO qualifies as a sustainable fuel source, both environmentally and economically.

• Made From Renewable, Waste-Derived Feedstocks

HVO is produced using 100% renewable raw materials, primarily waste products like used cooking oil, animal fats, and residues from food processing.

These are not virgin crops grown specifically for fuel but byproducts that would otherwise be discarded.

The sourcing method supports a circular economy and avoids the environmental drawbacks linked to deforestation or land-use change.

• Low Lifecycle Carbon Emissions

One of the key factors in evaluating whether a fuel is sustainable is its lifecycle emissions, the total carbon output from production to consumption.

HVO can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to fossil diesel across its lifecycle. These reductions are not just at the tailpipe but throughout the fuel’s journey, from refining to final combustion.

• Cleaner Refining Process (Hydrotreatment)

The hydrotreatment process used to create HVO is more energy-efficient and produces fewer pollutants than traditional fossil fuel refining.

Unlike esterification used for biodiesel, hydrotreatment results in a purer product that doesn’t introduce oxygen into the fuel, making it more stable and cleaner during both production and use.

• Minimal Land And Water Impact

Since HVO uses existing waste materials rather than requiring dedicated crop cultivation, it significantly reduces the pressure on land and water resources.

It does not compete with food production or contribute to intensive agriculture, both of which are concerns associated with other biofuels.

• Supports Decarbonisation Across Hard-To-Electrify Sectors

HVO offers a viable path toward decarbonisation for sectors where electrification isn’t yet practical, such as heavy-duty transport, agriculture, and off-grid power.

By providing a scalable, renewable alternative to fossil diesel, it enables immediate emission reductions without waiting for broader infrastructure changes.

What Are The Advantages Of HVO Fuel?

Beyond its sustainability credentials, HVO offers a myriad of practical advantages that make it an appealing choice for industries, fleet operators, and even domestic users.

Here’s a closer look at the key benefits that set it apart from conventional fuels.

• Drop-In Compatibility With Existing Diesel Engines

HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel can be used as a direct replacement for standard diesel in most modern engines without the need for modifications or special equipment. 

It makes the transition to a cleaner fuel seamless for commercial fleets, agricultural machinery, and backup generators, eliminating the downtime and cost typically associated with fuel switching.

• Superior Cold Weather Performance

HVO has excellent cold flow properties, with some blends functioning at temperatures as low as -30°C.

Unlike biodiesel, which can thicken or gel in low temperatures, HVO remains fluid and reliable, making it ideal for operations in colder climates or year-round usage in exposed environments.

• Long Shelf Life And Storage Stability

Owing to its paraffinic composition and lack of oxygenated compounds, HVO is highly stable in storage.

It resists microbial growth, oxidation, and breakdown over time. It is beneficial for seasonal machinery, standby generators, or backup fuel reserves where long-term reliability matters.

• Improved Engine Cleanliness And Efficiency

HVO burns more cleanly than fossil diesel, resulting in less soot and residue inside the engine.

This cleaner combustion can reduce wear on engine components, extend service intervals, and enhance fuel injector performance, ultimately lowering maintenance costs and extending engine life.

• Reduced Noise And Odour During Combustion

HVO combusts more smoothly and with fewer impurities, which often translates into quieter engine operation and significantly less exhaust odour.

In urban environments or public-facing operations where air quality and sensory impact are crucial, HVO fuel sustainability UK offers significant advantages.

How Is HVO Fuel Different From Other Fuels?

HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) stands apart from other common diesel alternatives, namely fossil diesel and traditional biodiesel, because of its cleaner composition, unique manufacturing process, and improved performance. 

Fossil diesel is derived from crude oil, a non-renewable resource, through conventional refining processes. Biodiesel, typically referred to as FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters), is produced by chemically converting vegetable oils or animal fats using methanol. 

HVO, however, is created through hydrotreatment, a process where waste-derived oils are refined using hydrogen. 

While biodiesel contains oxygen and fossil diesel includes sulphur and aromatic compounds, HVO is a paraffinic hydrocarbon, free from both. 

In terms of compatibility, HVO offers greater flexibility. Fossil diesel is compatible with most diesel engines, but its environmental impact is significant. 

Biodiesel often requires blending (usually up to 7%) to avoid engine issues, especially in colder temperatures. Fossil diesel is carbon-intensive and contributes heavily to greenhouse gas emissions. 

Conclusion

From its renewable, waste‑based origins to its drop‑in compatibility and significantly reduced emissions, HVO presents a compelling option for businesses and consumers seeking real-world decarbonisation today.

If you’re considering HVO as your sustainable fuel solution in the UK, look no further than Compass Energy.  As an approved supplier under the UK Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS), Compass guarantees fully traceable and independently verified HVO fuel with credible greenhouse gas savings. 

Our infrastructure supports nationwide deliveries in volumes from drums to bulk tanks with same-day and next-day service available to ensure your fuel needs are met reliably and efficiently.