HVO Fuel, What is it?
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel is a renewable diesel alternative made from waste vegetable oils, animal fats, or other renewable feedstocks. Through a process called hydrotreatment, these oils are refined using hydrogen, removing oxygen and impurities to produce a clean-burning paraffinic diesel. Unlike traditional biodiesel (FAME), HVO is chemically similar to fossil diesel, meaning it can be used directly in diesel engines without modifications.
HVO offers several advantages. It produces lower greenhouse gas emissions—often up to 90% less CO₂ compared to fossil diesel—depending on the feedstock source. It also reduces emissions of particulates, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide, improving local air quality. Its high cetane number ensures efficient combustion, even in cold weather, and it has excellent storage stability, resisting degradation over time.
Because it is drop-in compatible, HVO can be blended with fossil diesel or replace it entirely in vehicles, generators, and machinery. It’s already used in transport fleets, construction equipment, and off-road applications.
Use agricultural in machinery
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel is increasingly being adopted in agricultural machinery, including tractors, as farmers seek lower-carbon alternatives to fossil diesel. Because HVO is a “drop-in” fuel, it can be used in most modern diesel tractor engines without any modifications. This makes the transition simple for farmers—tanks, fuel lines, and injection systems require no special changes, and operators can switch between HVO and standard diesel as needed.
In performance terms, HVO matches or even slightly improves upon conventional diesel. Its high cetane number (typically 70–90, compared to diesel’s 50–55) ensures smoother combustion, quicker cold starts, and reduced engine noise. Farmers report that tractors running on HVO experience consistent power delivery under load, with no noticeable loss in torque or pulling capability. The cleaner burn also means reduced soot deposits in the engine and exhaust system, potentially extending maintenance intervals and improving reliability.
HVO’s low sulphur and aromatic content helps cut particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions, making it attractive for farms near residential areas or working indoors, such as in barns. While the main drawback is its higher cost compared to diesel, government incentives and environmental commitments are driving wider adoption, positioning HVO as a practical, high-performance fuel for modern agriculture.
CLAAS has given the green light for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to be used in its agricultural machinery. As a drop-in fuel, HVO can power existing equipment without the need for any mechanical alterations. This decision supports CLAAS’s commitment to cutting dependence on fossil fuels and encouraging more sustainable farming methods.
Compared to electric or hydrogen propulsion, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) offers a far more straightforward and cost-effective solution—particularly for operations that require high performance and long daily working hours. At present, battery-powered vehicles are not a viable option for these demanding tasks.
“Agriculture will continue to rely on large, powerful, and efficient machines with internal combustion engines in the future, especially given the shortage of skilled labour and the pressure to boost productivity,” explains CLAAS expert Ahlbrand. While battery power may suit smaller tractors of up to 150 hp, “medium- and high-powered machines will continue to need sustainable liquid fuels,” he adds.
From an economic standpoint, HVO already presents clear benefits. A medium-sized farm converting entirely from fossil diesel to HVO can do so without any investment in new infrastructure, simply using its existing diesel pumps. If both fossil and renewable fuels are to be used, however, a second pump will be needed—an small investment is needed to implement HVO on farms compared to the €40,000 farmers typically spend on electric vehicle charging infrastructure—and far less than the cost of installing a hydrogen refuelling station.”
Installing HVO Tanks & Pumping equipment
Installing a Rotech tank and pump system for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a practical way for farms to store and dispense renewable fuel efficiently on-site. Rotech tanks are available in various capacities, often bunded for environmental protection, and are designed to handle HVO just like conventional diesel. Installation is straightforward: the tank is positioned on a stable, level surface with easy vehicle access, then connected to a reliable pump system—manual or electric—depending on the farm’s requirements. The pump can be fitted with meters for accurate fuel tracking and filters to maintain fuel quality. Because HVO is a drop-in fuel, it can be stored in the same type of infrastructure as diesel, meaning no complex modifications are needed. A Rotech setup ensures secure, weather-resistant storage and fast, convenient refuelling for tractors and machinery, helping farmers integrate HVO into daily operations with minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.
Investing in Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a forward-looking move that supports both environmental responsibility and long-term operational resilience. As a renewable, drop-in replacement for diesel, HVO reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%, helping meet tightening sustainability targets. Its compatibility with existing diesel engines means no costly equipment changes, allowing businesses to transition quickly.
(HVO) has already seen widespread adoption in the haulage industry, proving its reliability and performance long before its introduction to farming. Many transport fleets have switched entirely to HVO to cut emissions without sacrificing engine power, fuel efficiency, or operational range. Hauliers value HVO’s drop-in compatibility, allowing them to use it in existing diesel trucks without modifications, while benefiting from reduced CO₂, particulate, and NOx emissions. Its proven track record in heavy-duty, high-mileage operations demonstrates that HVO can withstand the demands of continuous, long-distance work. This established success in haulage provides a strong foundation for its use in agriculture.
Article by Darren O Neill
