The use of renewable energy sources is an ideal approach to reduce carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier and green environment. It helps us to significantly decrease our reliance on fossil fuels and minimise their severe impact on climate change.
When talking about renewable energy sources, HVO fuel stands out as one of the most popular. Its use in transportation, industries, and domestic settings is becoming increasingly popular among developed countries, especially those where environmental sustainability is a major concern. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to a green and healthy environment.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on HVO fuel and its role in reducing emissions and carbon footprint.
HVO Fuel
HVO fuel, also known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, is a type of renewable diesel. It is produced from sustainable raw materials, such as vegetable oils, animal fats, or waste cooking oils, through a process called hydrotreatment. The best thing is that it is compatible with existing diesel engines and fueling infrastructure, making it a convenient transition fuel for industries and transport systems.
From transportation to construction machinery, domestic setting, and even power generation, it can be used for various purposes.
Role of HVO in Environmental Sustainability
Reduction in Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions
As we already mentioned, HVO fuel is derived from renewable resources like waste cooking oil, animal fats, or plant-based oils. During its lifecycle, these raw materials absorb CO₂ during their growth phase. This absorption offsets the carbon emissions released during combustion, resulting in up to 90% lower lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to traditional diesel.
Cleaner Combustion
HVO fuel has a higher cetane number than traditional diesel or fuel. This feature ensures more efficient and complete combustion in engines, leading to significantly lowering emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons, and particulate matter (PM). Cleaner combustion significantly contributes to a healthier environment by reducing the formation of soot and black carbon.
Reduced Dependency on Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels emit carbon that has been locked underground for millions of years, adding to the atmospheric carbon load while the HVO uses modern, renewable carbon sources, contributing to a closed carbon cycle. Replacing fossil-based diesel with HVO allows industries to reduce their reliance on non-renewable resources, resulting in reducing carbon footprint.
Minimisation of Nitrogen Oxide Emissions
Traditional fuels emit a large amount of NOx which is a major cause of air pollution and smog formation. Replacing such diesel with HVO fuel can help you reduce lower nitrogen oxide emissions.
This cleaner-burning nature of HVO results in improved air quality and reduces environmental health risks.
Use of Waste Materials
HVO fuel production often relies on waste materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fats, as raw materials. It reduces the need for virgin resources and diverts waste from landfills. This recycling and reusing policy results in a circular economy and avoids methane emissions that would otherwise result from decomposing organic waste.
Improved Engine Efficiency
The high cetane number and superior combustion properties of HVO fuel enhance engine efficiency. Efficient engines consume less fuel to produce the same amount of power, resulting in reduced overall fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, HVO’s lack of impurities, such as sulfur, prevents the formation of harmful byproducts during combustion.
Support for Renewable Energy Transition
HVO fuel is compatible with existing diesel engines, making it a practical solution for industries transitioning to renewable energy sources. It serves as a bridge between fossil fuels and fully renewable technologies, enabling immediate reductions in carbon footprints without the need for significant investments in new infrastructure or vehicle upgrades.
Longer Storage Life
HVO fuel is chemically stable and resistant to oxidation compared to traditional biodiesel. Its longer storage life ensures minimal degradation over time, reducing fuel waste and the environmental impact associated with discarding expired fuels. This stability supports long-term sustainability and ensures fewer emissions from waste management processes.
Lower Sulfur Content
Traditional diesel combustion contains no sulfur content, which is a key contributor to acid rain and air pollution. On the other hand, HVO, when buying from a reputable provider like 123 oil, contains a very low amount of sulphur. The absence of sulfur reduces the formation of sulfur oxides during combustion, which are harmful to both the environment and public health. This property makes HVO a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option.
Bottom Line
HVO fuel is an effective and reliable alternative to traditional fuel. It plays a vital role in mitigating climate change and advancing sustainability goals by combining renewable sourcing, waste utilisation, and lower pollutant emissions.
Though its production costs are relatively higher than traditional diesel, it helps you save money in the long run as it does not need any modifications to your vehicle’s existing infrastructure. Therefore, it is a worthwhile investment to ensure environmental sustainability and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
