HVO: The Renewable Fuel Powering Sustainable Transport in Europe

What is HVO and its Production
HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is an advanced second-generation biofuel produced through a chemical process of hydrogenation under high pressure and temperature. Unlike conventional biodiesel (FAME), this process removes oxygen from the oil molecules, resulting in a pure and stable hydrocarbon. It is primarily manufactured from sustainable feedstocks such as used cooking oil (UCO), residual animal fats, and non-food crop oils. This diverse origin is key to its sustainability, as it avoids competition with the food chain and utilizes waste streams.

Vehicles that Use it and its Implementation
HVO is notable for its versatility and can be used in a wide range of vehicles with diesel engines. It is compatible with most modern diesel engines (especially those certified for the Euro 5 standard and later), without the need for mechanical modifications. This makes it ideal for heavy-duty transport fleets, such as trucks, buses, waste collection vehicles, and agricultural and construction machinery. Furthermore, its use is expanding to maritime and rail transport as an immediate decarbonization option.

Implementation in Europe
In Europe, the implementation of HVO is gaining significant momentum as a key pillar for the energy transition in transport. The EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) encourages its use by recognizing it as an advanced biofuel with high GHG emission reductions. Countries like Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands are leaders in its adoption, with a network of service stations already offering it to the public. The European strategy focuses on integrating it into the existing fuel mix and promoting it to decarbonize sectors where electrification is more complex, such as long-distance transport.

Main Producers
The production of HVO in Europe is led by several major energy companies. Among the main producers are the Finnish company Neste, with its refineries in Rotterdam and Porvoo, being one of the world’s largest producers. The French company TotalEnergies and the Swiss Avril Group also have significant production capacity on the continent. Recently, the Spanish company Repsol has begun producing HVO at its industrial complexes, using used cooking oil as a raw material, thus strengthening the supply chain in Southern Europe.

Environmental and Operational Advantages
The advantages of HVO are multiple. Environmentally, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to fossil diesel over its lifecycle. It also drastically reduces emissions of fine particles (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), improving air quality. Operationally, its high cetane number improves cold starts and its greater oxidative stability allows for longer storage without degradation, which is crucial for fleets and backup equipment.

Challenges and Future
Despite its potential, HVO faces challenges for mass adoption. The main one is the limited availability and cost of sustainable feedstocks, which can restrict production volume and keep the price above conventional diesel. The future of HVO in Europe will depend on the expansion of production capacity, the development of robust supply chains for used oils, and the continued support of public policies that prioritize renewable fuels in the transition towards fully decarbonized mobility.