Are There Any Disadvantages to HVO Fuel?

The emphasis and focus on sustainable energy solutions are on the rise and alternative renewable fuels are gaining more and more attention due to their positive impact on the environment. One alternative fuel that is gaining the most attention is HVO fuel, which is known for its potential to reduce carbon emissions.

However, even though HVO fuel has many benefits it is not without a few disadvantages. In this blog, we will discover what HVO fuel is and how it is applied but also explore its benefits and more critically its potential disadvantages.

What is HVO Fuel?

HVO fuel also known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil is a renewable source of energy and a fossil-free alternative to other fuels. The fuel is derived from biomass feedstocks such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste cooking oil.

The production process involves a method called hydrotreating which is a method that removes impurities and saturates unsaturated hydrocarbons, resulting in a fuel with properties similar to traditional diesel.

What is HVO Used For?

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil is a sustainable drop in fuel alternative product that is highly versatile and compatible with almost any piece of equipment or any standard vehicle engine that already operates fuels and oils such as diesel and kerosene.

As an environmentally friendly product, HVO fuel is gaining more and more credibility due to its benefits as a renewable diesel and its usage is becoming more noticeable to businesses across the UK. The product has been approved by a large number of manufacturers and industries across the country and is highly suitable for vehicles and machinery.

The Advantages of HVO Fuel

Before exploring the potential disadvantages of HVO fuel it’s important to understand why HVO fuel has become more popular in the search for ways of improving the environment.. Here are some of its key advantages:

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions

HVO fuel is known for its ability as a standard diesel to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to a traditional fossil fuel. The production process involves the hydrotreatment of vegetable oils or animal fats, resulting in a fuel with lower carbon content.

Compatibility

One of the significant advantages of HVO fuel is its compatibility with existing regular diesel engines and infrastructure. This makes it a relatively ideal transition for industries and vehicles that already rely on diesel.

Renewable Source

HVO fuel can be derived from renewable sources like waste cooking oil, algae, and other organic materials. This renewable aspect aligns with the global push towards sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions.

The Potential HVO Fuel Disadvantages

While HVO fuel has many benefits for the environment, it is crucial to assess the potential disadvantages when considering applying the fuel regularly. Here are some of the key disadvantages associated with HVO fuel:

The Impact on Agriculture

One of the main concerns of HVO fuel is the potential impact it may have on land use and agriculture. The production of feedstock for HVO fuel may lead to an increase in demand for land, potentially causing deforestation and habitat loss. Securing a balance between fuel production and sustainable agricultural practices can’t be emphasised more.

Competition For Resources

The production of HVO fuel relies on feedstocks such as vegetable oils, which may compete with food production. If unaware of or not managed carefully, this competition could create existing issues for your business relating to the demand for resources from various industries leading to a limited allocation of HVO fuel.

Limited Availability

While HVO fuel can be produced from various feedstocks, the availability of the required feedstocks for HVO fuel can be challenging. The dependence on specific feedstocks across various industries can lead to price fluctuations and supply chain concerns, impacting the use and access of HVO fuel for your business.

High Cost Production

Due to its high popularity, HVO fuel tends to be more expensive to produce than traditional fossil fuels. The high cost is primarily due to the demand for feedstocks that are required in the production process to create a high-quality fuel product.

The advancements in technology in fuel production may reduce the costs over time, however as the demand for feedstocks remains the same the production of HVO fuel will be known to be expensive.

Limited Approval

Despite its potential as a sustainable energy product, HVO fuel has not yet achieved widespread approval compared to other alternative fuels. This limited approval may be associated with factors such as infrastructure challenges, lack of awareness, and the dominance of conventional fuels in the market.

Alternatives to HVO Fuel

There are several alternative fuels that currently exist and each alternative has its own unique set of advantages and challenges. The choice of alternative fuel often depends on factors such as energy efficiency, environmental impact, infrastructure compatibility, and economic considerations.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel is derived from renewable sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking oil. Biodiesel can be used in existing diesel engines with little modification required. The fuel is biodegradable and has lower emissions compared to traditional diesel fuels.

However, feedstock availability, potential competition with food production, and the need for specific processing facilities can be challenges.

Hydrogen Fuel

Hydrogen can be produced through various methods, including electrolysis, steam methane reforming, and biomass gasification. Hydrogen is known to be a highly versatile fuel that can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity for vehicles.

Hydrogen production methods often involve energy-intensive processes, and there are challenges in storage, distribution, and infrastructure development.

HVO Fuel at Pleavin Petroleum

In the search for the use of sustainable energy products in businesses across the UK, HVO fuel has emerged as a promising alternative with notable environmental benefits. However, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the potential problems associated with its production and use.

Here at Pleavin Petroleum, we are dedicated to being your reliable fuel delivery service that your business can depend on when low on fuel. If you are looking to purchase HVO fuel, make Pleavin Petroleum your number one fuel delivery service and receive your order within 24 hours of placing an order.

The team aims to provide excellent services to all of our customers by providing the best service at all times, giving your business a reason to make Pleavin Petroleum your first choice fuel delivery service. To find out more about our services, visit our service pages or contact a member team who will be happy to help.