The Role of HVO Fuel in Optimising Public Sector Fleets

As governments worldwide intensify efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, public sector fleets face growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. With decarbonisation targets approaching, particularly in the UK and Europe, public fleets need efficient, low-emission alternatives to diesel that align with these goals. Optimising public sector fleets with HVO fuel presents a practical, near-term solution for fleet managers and sustainability officers tasked with reducing emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. This article explores how enhancing public sector fleets through HVO fuel can support decarbonisation and regulatory compliance.

The drive towards decarbonisation is bolstered by various national and international policies. In the UK, the Labour Government is striving to make the UK a clean energy super power, to achieve this vision local authorities will need to adopt cleaner technologies to improve emissions and air quality. The UK government has also committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 68% by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2050, making it essential for public sector fleets to transition from conventional diesel, with reducing emissions in public sector fleets using HVO fuel being a viable approach.

Public sector fleets, including those operated by local governments, emergency services, and utility providers, contribute significantly to GHG emissions. As a result, fleet managers must adopt low-emission solutions to comply with regulations such as the Euro 6 emissions standard, which sets strict limits on nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. These regulations are part of broader efforts to decarbonise public sector operations while improving local air quality, which can be achieved by optimising public sector fleets with HVO fuel.

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a renewable diesel alternative that offers several key benefits for public sector fleets. Derived from waste oils and fats, enhancing public sector fleets through HVO fuel can reduce GHG emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional fossil diesel. This significant reduction in emissions aligns directly with decarbonisation goals, allowing public sector fleets to achieve substantial environmental improvements without waiting for more advanced technologies like electric or hydrogen vehicles to become mainstream.

One of HVO fuel’s standout features is its compatibility with existing diesel engines. Unlike many alternative fuels, HVO requires no engine modifications or new infrastructure, making it a cost-effective option for fleet managers. This ease of transition allows optimising public sector fleets with HVO fuel to meet regulatory requirements without the high capital expenditure associated with vehicle replacements or retrofitting engines.

Additionally, HVO complies with BS EN 15940 and EN 15940, the British and European standards for paraffinic diesel fuels. It offers improved performance over conventional diesel, particularly in combustion efficiency and emissions reduction. By enhancing public sector fleets through HVO fuel, organisations can meet both current and future emissions standards without compromising on operational performance.

Decarbonising public sector fleets is not without its challenges. High upfront costs, infrastructure demands, and the need for operational continuity often deter fleet managers from adopting new technologies. Many alternative fuels, such as hydrogen or electric solutions, require significant investment in new vehicles or infrastructure, which can strain public sector budgets. This makes reducing emissions in public sector fleets using HVO fuel a more practical solution.

Optimising public sector fleets with HVO fuel offers a practical solution to these challenges. As a drop-in fuel, it can be used in existing diesel engines, eliminating the need for costly infrastructure changes. This allows public sector fleets to transition to a low-emission alternative without disrupting operations or incurring the high costs associated with fleet replacement. Additionally, HVO offers superior cold-weather performance, which is especially valuable for fleets operating in harsher climates.

Several public sector organisations have already made the switch to HVO fuel, demonstrating its effectiveness in real-world applications. For example, Falkirk Council successfully transitioned its fleet of refuse collection vehicles to HVO fuel, achieving significant reductions in both CO2 and particulate emissions. Similarly, Royal Mail has adopted HVO across parts of its fleet, reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to the UK government’s net-zero targets through reducing emissions in public sector fleets using HVO fuel.

These case studies provide concrete evidence that optimising public sector fleets with HVO fuel is a viable and scalable solution. The transition to HVO has not only helped these organisations meet regulatory requirements but has also resulted in operational savings, thanks to HVO’s longer shelf life and reduced maintenance needs compared to traditional diesel.

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) offers public sector fleets a straightforward, cost-effective solution to the dual challenges of decarbonisation and regulatory compliance. Its compatibility with existing diesel engines, combined with its potential to reduce GHG emissions by up to 90%, makes optimising public sector fleets with HVO fuel an ideal choice for sustainability officers and fleet managers. By adopting HVO, public sector organisations can meet their environmental targets, improve air quality, and demonstrate leadership in sustainable fleet management, all while controlling operational costs.

As governments continue to push for rapid decarbonisation, enhancing public sector fleets through HVO fuel stands out as a critical tool in the public sector’s sustainability toolkit.