What is HVO fuel and why is it key in the energy transition?

HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is an advanced biofuel produced from renewable raw materials such as vegetable oils, animal fats or organic waste.

HVO fuel is not an experimental solution: it is a mature technology, already available and implemented across multiple sectors.

Unlike conventional biodiesel (FAME), HVO fuel is obtained through a hydrotreatment process that removes oxygen from the molecules, resulting in a more stable, cleaner fuel that is fully compatible with diesel engines.

From a technical perspective, HVO is a paraffinic diesel, meaning its chemical composition is very similar to fossil diesel, but with a significantly lower environmental impact.

The production process of HVO fuel is based on the hydrotreatment of renewable raw materials:

1. Selection of raw materials: vegetable oils, animal fats or waste.
2. Treatment with hydrogen at high pressure and temperature.
3. Removal of oxygen and other impurities.
4. Production of a clean, stable, high-quality fuel.

This process results in a sulphur-free fuel, with low aromatic content and excellent combustion performance.

The growing use of HVO in critical sectors is no coincidence. These are some of its main advantages:

1. Reduction of net CO₂ emissions

HVO fuel can reduce net CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional diesel, depending on the raw material used.

It is important to clarify that, at combustion level, HVO emits a similar amount of CO₂ to diesel. The key difference lies in its origin:

• Fossil diesel introduces “new” carbon into the atmosphere.

• HVO reuses carbon that has already been captured within the biological cycle.

This is why the reduction is considered in terms of net carbon balance.

2. Compatibility with existing engines

One of its main advantages is that HVO fuel can be used in diesel engines without any modifications, enabling an immediate transition.

3. Greater stability and longer shelf life

Unlike traditional biodiesel (FAME), HVO offers greater oxidative stability, making it particularly suitable for applications where fuel is stored for long periods, such as emergency generator sets.

4. Improved cold performance

HVO provides better low-temperature performance than FAME and even conventional diesel, reducing starting issues in adverse weather conditions.

5. Cleaner combustion

Its sulphur-free composition enables combustion without sulphur oxide (SOₓ) emissions. In addition, its low aromatic content contributes to more efficient combustion with fewer residues.

In environments where energy is critical, HVO fuel represents a strategic solution.

Generator sets designed for infrastructures such as hospitals, data centres or industrial facilities require:

• Immediate start-up
• Absolute reliability
• Guaranteed availability

HVO meets these requirements by providing:

• Greater reliability during start-up after long periods of inactivity
• Reduced maintenance associated with fuel degradation
• Lower environmental impact without compromising performance

In this context, fuel is no longer just an operational resource, but becomes a key element within the energy architecture.

The use of HVO not only contributes to emission reduction, but also aligns with current sustainability criteria:

• Compliance with European regulations and decarbonisation targets
• Integration into ESG strategies and EU taxonomy
• Use of sustainable raw materials and waste

For companies operating in critical sectors, adopting fuels such as HVO enables progress towards more responsible energy models without operational risk.

HVO fuel is not an experimental solution: it is a mature technology, already available and implemented across multiple sectors.

Its ability to integrate into existing infrastructures without modifications makes it one of the most effective alternatives for reducing environmental impact in the short term.

In environments where continuity is critical, the key is not only to generate energy, but to do so in a way that is efficient, reliable and sustainable.

Understanding what HVO fuel is means understanding where the energy sector is heading.

It is not just a biofuel, but a strategic tool that enables progress towards decarbonisation without compromising operational performance.

HVO fuel is emerging as a real, immediate and sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

In applications such as generator sets, where energy is essential, HVO represents a solution capable of addressing today’s challenges: reliability, sustainability and control.