Quick guide to alternative fuels: Part 1
There are alternative fuels that can be pumped either now or in the next few years that mean you might be able to reduce your emissions far earlier than you thought. What are they?
Four alternatives of varying viability are biodiesel, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), synthetic fuels, and liquid hydrogen. Each of these fuels presents unique advantages and challenges, influencing their adoption in the logistics and transport sector over the next decade.
Part 1 of our quick guide will give an overview of biodiesel and HVO with Part 2 focusing on synthetic fuels and liquid hydrogen.
With increased attention on climate change, air pollution, ESG reporting and the sustainability of fossil fuels, many in the transport and haulage industry are planning for how they can switch to alternative fuels.
Electrification using batteries and charging is touted as one solution, but there are still concerns about how it works in practice: range, weight, cost and charging times are some of the issues still to be solved.
Assuming you’re not ready for battery-powered HGVs yet, how could you be greener in the short to medium term? There are some alternative fuels that could be running your fleet sooner than you think.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel derived from organic sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats and used cooking oils. It can be blended with conventional diesel or used as a standalone fuel in compatible engines.
Advantages
Biodiesel produces lower carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions compared to traditional diesel. It is also biodegradable and non-toxic.
Many modern diesel engines can use biodiesel blends without significant modifications (although it’s important to check with vehicle manufacturers about recommended levels). Indeed, forecourt diesel already contains an amount of biodiesel in it of between 7-10%.
In 2023, 3,700 million litres of renewable fuel were supplied, constituting 7.5% of total fuel for the year in the UK, and saving 82% of greenhouse gases when compared to equivalent fossil fuels .
For wider carbon footprint considerations, biodiesel can also be produced locally, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and the accompanying emissions from transporting them.
Disadvantages
Pure biodiesel (B100) gels earlier than traditional diesel at lower temperatures meaning it can cause issues in fuel filters and lines, while it is ’hygroscopic’, so it absorbs moisture from the air, which can lead to fuel degradation and microbial growth if not stored correctly.
From a supply chain, perspective , critics have claimed that large-scale biodiesel production requires substantial agricultural resources, raising concerns about food supply competition and deforestation.
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)
HVO is an advanced biofuel produced through a process that removes impurities from vegetable oils and animal fats. This process results in a high-quality fuel that closely resembles traditional diesel.
Advantages
HVO has a high cetane number (the level at which it ignites), leading to cleaner and more efficient combustion, reducing NOₓ and particulate matter emissions.
Unlike biodiesel, HVO can be used as a direct replacement for diesel in most existing engines without modifications, and it’s more stable too, making it easier to store for long periods without degradation.
Because it can be sourced from waste materials, HVO production does not require extensive land use, reducing its environmental impact.
Disadvantages
The treatment process is energy-intensive and costly, making HVO more expensive than conventional diesel, and although it can be made from waste oils, large-scale production still requires a reliable and sustainable feedstock supply.
While increasingly available in the UK, it’s not found on every forecourt, meaning HGV operators need to be sure they can access it when needed.
Conclusion
The transition to alternative fuels for HGVs is critical for reducing the transport sector’s carbon footprint. Biodiesel and HVO offer relatively easy integration into existing fleets, however the industry will need to continue to innovate in alternative fuels before seeing a significant reduction in emissions. In Part 2, we will look at synthetic fuels and liquid hydrogen options.
With such a range of alternative fuels available, it’s important to be aware of what fuels could suit your fleet’s needs and/or adopt the right vehicles into your HGV fleet.