Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO)

HVO is the abbreviation for “Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil.” In German, the term is often translated as “hydrogenated vegetable oil.” HVO refers to a fuel or fuel component produced by treating suitable oils and fats with hydrogen.

Hydrogenation chemically transforms the raw materials, producing primarily paraffinic hydrocarbons with properties similar to those of diesel. HVO can be used as a component of a blended fuel or, in the form of HVO100, as a fully paraffinic diesel fuel.

HVO is produced from suitable oil- and fat-containing feedstocks. These may include processed vegetable oils, used cooking oils, animal fats, and other suitable biogenic residues and waste materials. Which raw materials are actually used depends on the manufacturer, the production process, and the respective supply chain.

Before actual processing, the feedstocks are purified and prepared for the subsequent production process. This is followed by treatment with hydrogen under controlled temperature and pressure conditions. In this process, known as hydrogenation or hydrotreating, oxygen is removed from the feedstocks, among other things. This results in predominantly paraffinic hydrocarbons with diesel-like properties.

Further processing steps can be used to adjust certain fuel properties—such as cold-weather performance, density, or ignition quality—to meet the intended product specifications. HVO is thus produced through a chemical conversion and not merely by filtering or blending vegetable oils.

The designation “HVO” alone does not provide information about a product’s specific feedstock composition or greenhouse gas footprint. To determine this, factors such as origin, processing, transportation routes, and production energy within the respective supply chain must be taken into account.

HVO consists primarily of paraffinic hydrocarbons. Its technical properties are determined by the manufacturing process, the product specification, and the intended conditions of use. HVO100 is specified as a paraffinic diesel fuel in accordance with DIN EN 15940.

Typical properties include:

• high ignition quality ( cetane number),

• defined cold-weather and flow properties,

• low levels of sulfur and aromatic compounds,

• good oxidation and storage stability,

• a chemical composition that differs from that of fossil diesel and FAME.

The specific performance characteristics may vary depending on the product and seasonal specifications. Therefore, the relevant product data sheet, the respective quality certificates, and the approval from the vehicle, engine, or equipment manufacturer are always decisive.

The properties of HVO allow for its use in numerous mobile and stationary diesel applications. However, this does not imply blanket suitability for every vehicle, machine, or system.

HVO can be used as a fuel component or in the form of HVO100 in various mobile and stationary diesel applications. These include, among others, approved commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery, construction equipment, power tools, generators, emergency power systems, ships, and certain commercial heating and thermal systems.

A prerequisite for the use of HVO100 is approval from the respective vehicle, engine, or equipment manufacturer for paraffinic diesel fuels in accordance with DIN EN 15940. In addition, the specific product specifications, the existing fuel tank and refueling infrastructure, and the respective operating conditions must be taken into account.

In the market, HVO is particularly relevant for applications where diesel-powered vehicles, machinery, or systems are still required. Depending on the product, feedstock, and supply chain, HVO can help reduce the use of fossil fuel components and the associated greenhouse gas emissions. However, the actual impact must be assessed on a product- and supply-chain-specific basis.

Information on areas of application, technical requirements, and supply models can be found on our HVO100 product page.

HVO is often equated with HVO100, biodiesel, or other alternative diesel fuels. However, these terms describe different products and manufacturing processes:

• HVO: A general term for a paraffinic fuel produced by the hydrogenation of suitable oils and fats, or a corresponding fuel component.

• HVO100: A paraffinic diesel fuel consisting entirely of HVO. HVO100 is specified according to DIN EN 15940 and contains no blend of fossil diesel.

• Biodiesel or FAME: FAME stands for fatty acid methyl ester and is produced by the transesterification of oils or fats. FAME has a different chemical structure than HVO and therefore exhibits different properties in terms of storage, cold performance, and application.

• Fossil diesel fuel: Conventional diesel is primarily produced from petroleum and is typically specified in Germany according to DIN EN 590. HVO may be included as a component in a diesel fuel conforming to DIN EN 590, provided that the final product meets all requirements of the standard.

• XTL: XTL is a designation for paraffinic diesel fuels that are not derived exclusively from crude oil. HVO100 may fall under this designation. Whether a vehicle is approved for XTL or HVO100 is determined by the specifications provided by the respective manufacturer.

HVO is a paraffinic fuel produced by the hydrogenation of suitable oils and fats. The process chemically alters the raw materials and thus differs from the production of conventional FAME-based biodiesel.

HVO can be used as a fuel component or in the form of HVO100. HVO100 consists entirely of HVO and is specified according to DIN EN 15940. Potential applications range from commercial vehicles and mobile machinery to stationary systems, shipping, and certain commercial heating applications.

Whether the fuel is suitable for a specific application depends on the manufacturer’s approval, the product specification, and the on-site technical conditions. The feedstock base and the greenhouse gas balance must also be assessed based on the specific product and its supply chain.