What are the differences between HVO fuel and diesel?

Date Published: 04/02/2025

Diesel has been fueling vehicles and machinery for decades, but with the world shifting towards greener solutions, is it time for something better? HVO fuel is a renewable fuel that’s cleaner, greener, and just as reliable as diesel. Let’s see how it stacks up against regular diesel and answer the question: “Is it the fuel of the future?”

What is HVO fuel, and how is it made?

HVO fuel, short for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, is a renewable fuel made from sustainable materials. Unlike traditional diesel, which relies on fossil fuels, HVO fuel is created through hydrotreatment, a process that turns raw materials into high-quality fuel. It behaves just like regular diesel, so it can be used in the same diesel engines, but it burns much cleaner and has a much smaller environmental impact.

One of the most interesting things about HVO fuel is that it is made of renewable and waste-based raw materials instead of fossil fuels. These include:

• Vegetable oils like rapeseed or sunflower oil.
• Animal fats – often by-products from the food industry.
• Used cooking oil, which might otherwise be discarded.

HVO fuel vs. regular diesel: What’s the difference?

HVO Fuel and diesel can both power the same engines, but HVO fuel stands out in several ways.

Cleaner combustion, fewer emissions

HVO fuel produces fewer harmful emissions than conventional diesel. It doesn’t contain sulphur or aromatic compounds like Benzene, so it burns cleaner and has less of an impact on air quality.

Better shelf life

This lack of compounds and chemicals also means HVO fuel has a longer shelf life compared to regular diesel, which can degrade over time and become unstable. This makes HVO fuel perfect for backup diesel generators and industries that store fuel for long periods (e.g. transport, construction, and agriculture).

Excellent performance in diesel engines

HVO fuel is a drop-in fuel, so it works great in most diesel engines without modifications. It also offers better combustion efficiency, cleaner engine performance, and fewer maintenance headaches caused by soot and buildup.

Cold temperature performance

Another great thing about HVO fuel is its ability to handle freezing weather. Diesel tends to become “gelly” in the cold, making engines hard to run. But HVO fuel stays fluid and keeps your engine working smoothly throughout winter.

A cleaner fuel alternative

Switching to HVO fuel can make a big difference when it comes to sustainability. Here’s why:

• Made from renewable materials – Using waste products like cooking oil and animal fats reduces the need for traditional fossil fuels.
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions – HVO fuel helps tackle climate change by cutting harmful CO₂ emissions.
• Cleaner transport fuel – Fewer emissions mean improved air quality, which is a win for everyone.
• Supports cleaner combustion – HVO fuel’s chemical composition means a more efficient burn with fewer pollutants.

Upgrade your fuel needs affordably with Your NRG

Switch to fuels that work harder for you and the planet. At Your NRG, we deliver affordable domestic heating oil, bulk commercial fuel, and HVO fuel. Ready to make the change?

Contact us now to get a quote and place your order of HVO fuel today!

Can all diesel engines run on HVO fuel?

Yes! One of the best things about HVO fuel is that it works great with all diesel engines. As a drop-in fuel, HVO fuel can replace conventional diesel without any need for modifications.

• It’s an easy switch for your business if you’re already using diesel-powered equipment.
• Diesel generators, industrial trucks, and road machinery can all run on HVO fuel.
• Even older diesel engines may be compatible, though it’s worth checking beforehand.

Is HVO fuel ready to replace diesel?

HVO fuel has incredible potential, but more widespread use depends on a number of important factors:

• Cost – While HVO fuel costs more per litre than diesel, it saves money long-term with lower maintenance, longer storage life, and fewer compliance costs.
• Availability – While it’s becoming more common, HVO fuel is not yet as widely available as regular diesel, though more fuel suppliers – like Your NRG – are starting to offer it.

Your trusted supplier of greener fuels

As a trusted fuel supplier across the UK, we’re committed to making HVO fuel more accessible and helping businesses and households transition to greener energy. Our reliable delivery service means you get high-quality fuel when needed, whether it’s HVO fuel, domestic heating oil, or bulk commercial fuel.

By choosing Your NRG, you can overcome the annoying barriers to greener energy and take a major step toward reducing your emissions without taking a hit to productivity or comfort.

Ready to make the switch? Get a quick, no-obligation quote now or chat with our team – we’re here to help you fuel more sustainably!