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What is Renewable Diesel (HVO)? The Future of Clean Fuel in the Transportation Industry

In recent decades, the increase in fossil fuel consumption has exacerbated environmental problems such as global warming, air pollution, and depletion of natural resources. Diesel engines, although very efficient in terms of efficiency, contribute significantly to pollutant emissions. In the meantime, renewable diesel (HVO) has been proposed as a new solution that can significantly reduce the negative effects of diesel engines without eliminating them.

Unlike many alternative fuels that require major changes to vehicle infrastructure or technology, renewable diesel is directly usable, making it one of the most realistic options for the energy transition.

Table of Contents

What is renewable diesel (HVO)?

Renewable diesel fuel (HVO) is an advanced diesel fuel produced from renewable, bio-based resources, but is almost identical in molecular structure to fossil diesel. This makes HVO a drop-in fuel, meaning it can be used without modification to the engine or fuel system.

Unlike first-generation biodiesels, which are produced from a simpler chemical reaction, HVO is the result of an advanced refining process that significantly increases the quality of the final fuel.

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گازوئیل تجدیدپذیر (HVO)

What is renewable diesel and how is it different from biodiesel?

Renewable diesel, known as HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), is an advanced fuel produced through the hydrotreating process on bio-based oils and fats. In this method, oxygen-containing compounds are removed from the structure of the raw materials and hydrocarbon chains are formed that are chemically very similar to fossil diesel. The final product is a paraffinic, transparent and sulfur-free fuel that is completely compatible with conventional diesel in terms of molecular composition. This structural similarity allows HVO to be used in a variety of diesel vehicles, including trucks, vans and trailers, without the need for any changes to the engine or fuel system.

The fundamental difference between renewable diesel (HVO) and conventional biodiesel or FAME comes down to their production process and chemical nature. Biodiesel is obtained from the reaction of vegetable oils with methanol and contains oxygen in its structure; This reduces the stability against oxidation and heat. In contrast, HVO is produced through hydrogenation and is completely oxygen-free. This feature increases the cetane number, improves performance at low temperatures and increases stability in storage conditions. For this reason, in many European countries, especially in cold regions, HVO is used as the main alternative to biodiesel and is classified in the paraffinic fuel category according to the EN 15940 standard.

The drop-in capability of renewable diesel means that its use does not require any technical changes, engine tuning or special permits. Drivers and transport companies can directly replace fossil diesel with HVO. This advantage makes HVO an ideal choice for heavy-duty fleets that are looking to reduce emissions but do not want to pay the high costs of engine upgrades or infrastructure changes.

Renewable Diesel (HVO) Production Process with Technical Details

One of the key advantages of renewable diesel is the diversity and flexibility of its feedstocks. These include:

Vegetable oils (soybean, rapeseed, palm)

Used Cooking Oils (UCO)

Animal fats

Food industry waste

Non-edible bio-oils

Using waste ensures that HVO production does not compete with food security and scores higher in terms of environmental sustainability.

Renewable Diesel (HVO) Production Process with Technical Details

1. Pretreatment

In this step, impurities such as water, metals, and undesirable compounds are removed from the raw materials. This step is crucial for increasing the life of the catalysts and the quality of the final product.

2. Hydrotreatment

The most important step in the production of renewable diesel is:

  • Oxygen present in the structure of oils is removed.

  • Undesirable links are broken.

  • Molecules become saturated hydrocarbons

3. Isomerization

This step improves fuel properties at low temperatures and increases the performance of renewable diesel in cold regions.

4. Final refinement

Finally, the fuel reaches the required quality standards and is ready for distribution.

گازوئیل تجدیدپذیر (HVO)

Check the standards for this fuel: EN 15940 and ASTM D975

To ensure the quality, safety and compatibility of renewable diesel fuels with diesel engines, two internationally recognized standard frameworks have been defined: EN 15940 in Europe and ASTM D975 in the United States. The EN 15940 standard is specifically designed for paraffinic fuels of synthetic or renewable origin and specifies precise physical and chemical criteria for pure HVO (HVO100). In this standard, parameters such as cetane number, density, pour point, viscosity and sulfur content are strictly controlled to ensure that the performance of this fuel in heavy-duty diesel engines remains fully on par with mineral diesel.

In the United States, renewable diesel is classified as a very low sulfur diesel under the ASTM D975 standard. This standard allows for the blending of HVO with fossil diesel in various proportions. This approach allows fleets and fuel distributors to use a variety of blends based on their operational needs and gradually reduce the share of fossil fuels in the fuel mix. Both standards include strict limits on sulfur content (less than 10 ppm) and requirements for oxidation stability to prevent technical problems in the engine and fuel system.

It is noteworthy that, unlike FAME-based biodiesels, renewable diesel does not require the use of anti-oxidation or stabilizing additives and can be used without changing the current storage and distribution infrastructure. This advantage has led many countries to introduce HVO as a practical and low-cost solution for a gradual transition to clean energy in the transportation sector. In Iran, if a standard is developed and adopted in line with EN 15940, the use of renewable diesel in the diesel fleet, including trucks, vans and trailers, will be possible, and this could create a good opportunity for the private sector to enter and invest in this area.

The environmental impact and carbon footprint of renewable diesel

One of the most important and prominent advantages of renewable diesel (HVO) is the significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions throughout the fuel’s entire life cycle, from production to final consumption (Well-to-Wheel). Life cycle studies and assessments show that, depending on the type of raw material and technology used in production, HVO can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 90% compared to fossil diesel. This is because the carbon in the HVO structure is supplied from biological sources and, after combustion, re-enters the natural carbon cycle and is absorbed by plants. In addition, the more uniform and cleaner combustion process of HVO significantly reduces the emission of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from vehicle exhaust; pollutants that contribute significantly to urban air pollution and its health consequences.

Compared to conventional biodiesel, renewable diesel is at a higher level in terms of sustainability and environmental performance. Biodiesel, due to the presence of oxygen in its molecular structure, is prone to oxidation and the formation of undesirable compounds during storage, while HVO is completely stable and free of sulfur and aromatic compounds. These characteristics not only result in cleaner combustion, but also help extend the life of the engine, particulate filters and fuel system, and reduce the need for periodic repairs and services in heavy-duty fleets. As a result, the use of HVO can lead to reduced operating costs and improved economic efficiency of transport fleets in the long term.

However, the actual amount of pollution reduction and positive environmental impacts of HVO depend on the source of the feedstock and its supply chain. When the raw materials are sourced from waste cooking oils or animal fats, the greatest reduction in carbon footprint is achieved; but the use of fresh agricultural oils can increase the environmental impacts to some extent. Therefore, for the sustainable development of renewable diesel in Iran, it is essential to form a supply chain based on food and industrial waste. Such an approach, while avoiding pressure on agricultural resources and food security, can realize the real advantage of HVO and be an effective step towards the formation of a clean and indigenous fuel in the country.

Renewable diesel (HVO) combines advanced technology, environmental sustainability, and industrial compatibility. This fuel is not only a practical solution to reduce pollution and carbon emissions, but also paves the way for a clean energy transition without disrupting existing infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The European Union has identified renewable diesel as a key tool to achieve its carbon neutrality goals. Many countries have introduced tax incentives and support for the production and consumption of HVO.

Public transportation

City buses using HVO can play an important role in reducing air pollution.

Logistics fleets

Large transportation companies are using HVO to meet carbon reduction goals.

Industries and mines

Heavy diesel machinery in mines and construction projects uses HVO.

Agricultural sector

Tractors and combines use this fuel without loss of power.

Reducing greenhouse gases

Depending on the type of feedstock, using renewable diesel can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by between 60 and 90 percent over the entire life cycle.

Reducing local pollutants

  • Reduction of particulate matter (PM)

  • Carbon monoxide (CO) reduction

  • Reduction of unburned hydrocarbons

This is especially important for large, polluted cities.
گازوئیل تجدیدپذیر (HVO)
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