HVO FUEL: Frequently Asked Questions for Using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil For Commercial Energy

HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), a renewable fuel, is gaining significant attention as a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. HVO stands out for its ability to significantly reduce reportable life cycle greenhouse gas emissions while providing similar performance characteristics to conventional diesel. As the push for cleaner energy solutions intensifies, understanding the intricacies of HVO renewable fuel becomes crucial.

This FAQ aims to address common questions about HVO, offering insights into its production, benefits and potential impact on the environment and energy landscape.

What is HVO fuel?

• HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is a renewable diesel alternative made from vegetable oils and animal fats through hydrogenation, offering improved combustion and lower carbon less GHG emissions over its lifecycle. 

What is the difference between HVO and Biodiesel?

• HVO/renewable diesel is not biodiesel. They are very different products, although both are made from organic biomasses. 
• HVO has lower emissions of key criteria pollutants (NOx and PM) and is cleaner burning than traditional biodiesel. 
• HVO also has better cold-weather and storage properties than biodiesel.
• Renewable diesel is a fuel that is chemically similar to fossil diesel, making it a viable substitution for fossil diesel, with no blending required.
• It is produced from 100% renewable and sustainable raw materials.
• Renewable diesel is Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) - a direct drop-in fuel replacement that meets ASTM D975 and EN 15940 standards.

What are the benefits of using HVO?

• Reportable Scope 1 fossil-based greenhouse gas (GHG) Emissions are zero.
• Renewable diesel results in up to 90% less GHG emissions compared to fossil diesel over the lifecycle.
• Carbon emissions derived from a biological (renewable) source are considered carbon neutral.
• Can be used up to 100% rate or blended with fossil diesel.
• Premium quality, high cetane, colorless, odorless means a more efficient and complete combustion, with reduced build-up inside the engine.
• No degradation from water absorption or microbial growth during handling and storage.
• A fast way to achieve climate goals.

What are the differences in emissions between Fossil Diesel vs. HVO on PowerSecure engines? 

• Greenhouse gas benefits from Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) are primarily observed in Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions. 
• In Scope 1, emissions from the combustion of biomass-derived HVO are not included in reported emissions, as they are considered carbon-neutral due to the biogenic origin of the fuel. 
• In Scope 3, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are achieved with renewable feedstocks and lower lifecycle emissions compared to fossil fuels, particularly in the production and supply chain phases.

Can PowerSecure provide HVO? What is the supply network and footprint map?

• Yes, PowerSecure can provide HVO. We have fuel supply partners that can supply customers with HVO across our footprint.

What is the price difference between HVO and fossil diesel?

• Without state tax incentives for HVO, there is a slight premium in the cost of HVO versus diesel.

Can you use HVO in a PowerSecure generator that currently uses diesel? Do any modifications need to be made?

• No modifications to existing equipment are needed. HVO is a direct drop-in fuel replacement.

Does PowerSecure intend to use HVO in their company assets?

• Our Distributed Infrastructure Campus microgrid is powered with 100% HVO.
• The energy sector is rapidly evolving, driven by customer preferences, technology advancements, commodity prices, energy security and resiliency efforts, and sustainability initiatives.
• With this evolution comes opportunity; and PowerSecure, with its customer-centric business model, is poised to provide continued value to our customers and communities.
• We are lowering overall carbon emissions in ways that make technical and economic sense.