The transportation and industrial sectors face the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring a reliable energy supply. In addition to electrification and new propulsion technologies, advanced biofuels can help gradually replace fossil fuels.
Solutions that can already be used in existing vehicles, machinery, and infrastructure are particularly interesting. One example is HVO: This paraffinic diesel fuel combines biogenic feedstocks with properties that allow it to be used in many existing diesel applications.
What are advanced biofuels?
Not all biofuels are created equal. Differences exist, among other things, in the raw materials used, the production processes, and the resulting greenhouse gas footprint. While conventional biofuels are sometimes derived from energy crops grown specifically for this purpose, residual and waste materials are increasingly taking center stage.
These include, for example, used cooking oils as well as suitable plant- and animal-based residues. Their use can help reuse existing resources and reduce the demand for fossil raw materials. However, the origin of the raw materials, the production process, and the entire supply chain remain decisive factors for the actual environmental footprint. In addition to biogenic fuels, synthetic fuels (e-fuels) are also considered alternative energy sources; however, they differ significantly in terms of their raw material base and production methods.
Why are biofuels more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels?
When evaluating biofuels, it is not just the emissions produced during combustion that are decisive. Rather, it is important to consider the entire life cycle – from the extraction and processing of raw materials through transportation and distribution to the use of the fuel.
If suitable biogenic residues and waste materials are used, significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved compared to fossil fuels – such as conventional diesel. However, the extent of these savings depends on the specific fuel and its raw material base. Therefore, traceability, certification, and transparent supply chains are important factors in the assessment.
HVO as an advanced alternative to fossil diesel
A particularly practical alternative for diesel applications is HVO100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). HVO is a paraffinic diesel fuel that can be produced from, among other things, biogenic residues and waste materials. Hydrogenation produces a chemically stable fuel with diesel-like properties, comparable to fossil diesel in accordance with EN 590.
Biofuels and CO₂: how significant is the emissions reduction potential of HVO?
The extent to which biofuels reduce CO₂ emissions depends on the feedstock and application: According to the RED methodology, HVO can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 percent compared to fossil diesel. The actual reduction depends on the specific feedstock and the entire value chain.
This opens up the possibility for companies to reduce emissions from existing diesel applications without having to immediately purchase new vehicles or machinery. This makes HVO particularly relevant in situations where short-term electrification is not yet technically or economically feasible.
Where can HVO be used?
Its applications range from road transport to agriculture and construction, as well as industry and shipping. Use in existing engines requires approval from the respective manufacturer. HVO100 complies with DIN EN 15940 for paraffinic diesel fuels.
In addition to its potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, HVO offers other technical properties: The fuel has a high cetane number, good cold-weather performance, and high storage stability. Its paraffinic structure can also contribute to cleaner combustion and fewer deposits in the fuel injection system.
Advanced biofuels as part of the transformation
Not every application can be electrified in the short term or switched to a completely new energy source. Advanced biofuels can therefore play a role, particularly in areas where existing vehicles, machinery, and infrastructure are still needed.
HVO demonstrates how this approach can be implemented in practice: The fuel combines the use of biogenic feedstocks with the ability to continue using existing diesel applications. As a result, HVO can serve as a building block for companies to gradually reduce their use of fossil fuels and the associated greenhouse gas emissions.
With MB Energy’s HVO100, companies have access to an alternative to fossil diesel that can be integrated into existing supply structures. MB Energy combines defined fuel qualities with tailored delivery models and a supply that meets specific needs.
