Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is a newer green option to replace standard diesel fuel. It was first introduced in 2007 and is continuously more popular, with consumption almost doubling from 1.7 million gallons in 2022 to 2.9 million gallons in 2023.
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From sustainability to fuel efficiency, leveraging HVO can significantly impact your commercial business and offer a competitive advantage. Learn more about what HVO is made from, its benefits and how it compares to other fuel options.
What Is HVO Fuel?
HVO, also known as green diesel or renewable diesel, is a sustainable drop-in fuel substitute for standard ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD). It’s made from bio-based feedstock such as agricultural crops, used cooking oil, vegetable oil and animal fats.
Although it has a higher hydrogen-to-carbon ratio as a low-carbon fuel, HVO’s chemical formula (CnH2n+2) is very similar to standard diesel. It contains mostly alkanes, which are a type of paraffinic hydrocarbons. HVO uses no fossil fuels and has no sulfur or aromatics.
HVO meets the ASTM D975 standard for diesel in the U.S. and EN 590 specifications in Europe. It’s suitable for use in passenger vehicles, off-road vehicles, heavy machinery and diesel generators. Because it is a 1-to-1 substitute for traditional diesel, HVO can move through the same pipelines, be stored in the same containers and run in the same equipment as ULSD.
How Is HVO Sustainable?
HVO fuel is fossil-free and can reduce lifetime greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%. Though tailpipe emissions are generally similar to standard diesel, HVO burns more cleanly and can keep your engines cleaner and reduce vehicle emissions. Switching to HVO can improve your company’s carbon footprint and contribute to cleaner air, especially in urban areas.
Its production is also sustainable since it uses 100% renewable, mostly plant-based materials that are often reclaimed waste from the food industry and other sources. Because HVO primarily uses residuals and waste, it’s classified as a second-generation biofuel. Although HVO emits some carbon dioxide, its emissions are nearly net-neutral since it uses existing rather than new materials.
What Are the Benefits of HVO?
In addition to being a sustainable fuel solution, HVO also offers several other advantages:
- Safe to mix with standard diesel: HVO is compatible with ULSD in any ratio, so you don’t need to change your existing equipment or hassle with a changeover period when switching to HVO. Instead, you can start using HVO right away.
- Fully interchangeable with diesel: Because HVO is a 1-to-1 replacement for standard diesel, no engine or infrastructure changes are necessary, as they are with other biofuels.
- Extended storage life span: HVO requires less regular testing than other fuels, making it an excellent choice for backup or standby generators.
- OEM-approved: Many equipment manufacturers — including Kohler, Cummins and Caterpillar — have authorized the use of HVO in their machinery. With the manufacturer’s explicit approval, you don’t need to worry about HVO harming your equipment or voiding any warranties.
- Safer to handle and store: HVO has a high flashpoint, making it less likely to combust unexpectedly. It’s also non-toxic and biodegradable, making it safer to transport and dispose of at the end of its life cycle.
- Fewer impurities: HVO burns more cleanly than standard diesel, improving combustion and engine performance and reducing wear on engine components and fluids.
- Increased fuel efficiency: Improved combustion also leads to better fuel efficiency and cost savings.
- Improved performance in low temperatures: HVO has a low freezing point, so it performs well even in cold weather.
How Does HVO Compare to Diesel and Biodiesel?
Learn more about how HVO compares to standard diesel and biodiesel.
HVO vs. Diesel
Standard diesel fuel is petroleum-based, meaning it uses nonrenewable resources and is considered a fossil fuel. It’s created through a hydrotreatment process similar to HVO, making it comparable in physical properties and chemical makeup to HVO, even though they come from different sources.
ULSD has slightly higher nitrogen oxide emissions and much higher greenhouse gas and particulate matter emissions. While traditional diesel has a higher fuel density, it also has a lower cetane value and a lower energy density than HVO.
Maintenance and polishing recommendations are similar for HVO and ULSD. Diesel is slightly more dangerous to store since it has a lower flashpoint of around 125 degrees Fahrenheit. The flashpoint is the temperature at which fuel vaporizes and creates flammable vapors. HVO’s flashpoint is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. However, anti-gelling additives and fuel-blending methods that work for standard diesel may not work for HVO.
HVO vs. Biodiesel
Like HVO, biodiesel is made from vegetable oil, animal fat and other waste lipids. However, the production process is different. While HVO is hydrotreated, biodiesel is manufactured using esterification and methanol, so it is also called fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). This process does not include a purification step, so biodiesel is more likely to contain impurities. It’s also more susceptible to bacterial growth and instability due to oxidation.
Because biodiesel isn’t a drop-in replacement, using it often requires engine modifications. Additionally, its freezing point is higher than that of HVO and standard diesel, meaning it can become waxy in cold temperatures.
However, biodiesel is generally less expensive per gallon than HVO since it is less refined and lower quality. Biodiesel may also be more readily available in your location, though HVO should be easier to source as it grows in popularity.
How to Determine the Right Fuel Type For Your Business
Explore the following steps for choosing the best fuel option for your commercial business:
- Assess your needs: Consider your operations, the types of equipment you use and your specific fuel requirements.
- Define your budget: Perform a cost analysis to determine fuel, maintenance, efficiency and potential tax incentives for leveraging renewable fuels.
- Evaluate regulatory compliance: Explore local regulations relating to reporting requirements and emissions standards.
- Work with a trusted fuel partner: Ensure you work with an experienced supplier who can help you determine the right fuel type for your business and answer your questions.
Choose Foster Fuels as Your Trusted Provider
If your business has committed to net-neutral emissions or wants to decrease its carbon footprint to meet sustainability goals, switching to HVO can help. It’s easier to use than other biofuels since it requires no retrofitting, diverts waste and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Foster Fuels delivers HVO and other fuels nationwide. No matter your industry, our experienced team can help you find modern fueling solutions to meet your requirements.
Since 1921, Foster Fuels has provided fuel services for businesses and residents. We’re a reliable fuel partner, and you can count on us for all your needs, including HVO renewable diesel.
Learn more about our commercial fuel services, or fill out our online contact form, and we’ll get back to you shortly.
HVO Fuel Frequently Asked Questions
What Is HVO Fuel Used For?
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel is primarily used as a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel fuel. It is often used for fueling transportation, heavy machinery, generators, and other industrial applications.
What Industries Use HVO Fuel?
Organizations around the globe have integrated HVO into their fuel strategies across various sectors, including power generation, transportation, construction, military, and aviation.
What is HVO’s Chemical Formula?
HVO does not have a specific chemical formula because it is not a single compound but rather a mixture of various hydrocarbons. The chemical composition of HVO can vary depending on the feedstock used in its production.
