The universe of alternative fuels promises to add new options as available technology continues to provide increasingly efficient answers to meet the demands of a market eager for sustainable solutions.

Pioneering experiences with biodiesel or ethanol have been complemented more recently by hydrogen and various forms of biogas, for example.

The latest «gem» added to the global biofuel treasure chest is the so-called HVO.

What is HVO?

HVO stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil. It is a type of biofuel produced from vegetable oils or animal fats.

Through a hydrotreatment process, these fats and oils are transformed into paraffins, eliminating oxygen and other contaminants.

The result is a fuel that is chemically very similar to conventional diesel and, therefore, can be used in diesel engines without modifications.

It is a biofuel that can pollute up to 90% less than traditional fossil fuel derived from oil, leading to fewer greenhouse gases.

Giants on the Prowl

Global machinery companies have already announced their decision to invest in HVO.

The German company Claas, for example, announced that from October 2023, all its agricultural machines can run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil.

For its part, John Deere has also added to its agenda the development of engines suitable for operating with HVO.

Advantages

HVO has several advantages over other biofuels, such as biodiesel:

Stability 👉 HVO is more stable than biodiesel, meaning it has a longer shelf life and is less prone to oxidation.

Freezing Point 👉 HVO has a lower freezing point than biodiesel, making it suitable for use in cold climates.

Emissions 👉 HVO can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional diesel, depending on the raw material and production process.

Compatibility 👉 It can be used in existing diesel engines without modifications and can be mixed with conventional diesel in any proportion.