Fuel changes: Diesel switch and HVO information

The changes

New government regulations mean change for the industry and the use of red diesel in mobile equipment and machinery will be banned from 1st April 2022. HVO fuel is the recommended fuel to use in replacement, as a more environmentally friendly alternative for industries.

What is HVO fuel?

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is made up of a bio-based liquid fuel which is renewable, sustainable, and high quality. HVO fuel is a low carbon diesel which can help to reduce greenhouse gases by up to 90% which means a much more sustainable option for businesses to commit to tackling climate change. Overall, this change can support in meeting NetZero targets and decarbonising the industry.

HVO Fuel is derived from used cooking oils, residue animal fats tall oil and non-food grade crops. It’s classed as a ‘green’ alternative to typically used FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters) fossil fuels, it has less nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions making it a more sustainable fuel to use within industries.

Why change fuel

The ban of red diesel has been implemented by the government as part of the mission to tackle climate change and reduce harmful emissions in the environment. The ban comes from the announcement at Budget 2020, as part of the governments plans to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

Red diesel is diesel which has been dyed red, predominately used in off road applications and equipment. Red diesel also isn’t designated for use on public roads or in cars and can be the cause of a fine if used.  Being a cheaper option for industries, red diesel has been an attractive choice to businesses, however, with more pressure from the government to improve the environment and reduce carbon footprint, red diesel will now be banned in the use of most off road and mobile equipment

Who is excluded?

Some industries are still able to continue with the use of red diesel at present. Eligible sectors include:

  • Agriculture, horticulture, fish farming, forestry
  • Railways
  • Non-commercial heating systems, such as off-the-grid homes, places of worship and narrowboats.

However, red diesel users will still be taxed at the standard rate of diesel from April 2022 to reflect the harmful impacts that emissions have on the environment.  

 

 

Red diesel accounts for around 15% of all the diesel used in the UK and is responsible for the production of nearly 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year”

Reform of red diesel and other rebated fuels entitlement – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Benefits of using HVO

  • Reduced harmful emissions.
  • Improves on-site air quality.
  • Supports companies in reducing their carbon footprint and greenhouse gases which are emitted.
  • 10-year storage life.
  • 100% renewable, bio-degradable and non-toxic.
  • Meets EN 15940:2016 specifications.

Our Response

We’re already on our mission to becoming carbon neutral by the end of 2022. We are making the switch to support tackling climate change and advise the use of HVO fuel in our systems, with our equipment being HVO Ready from 1st April 2022. We will no longer be allowing the use of red diesel and any equipment returned to us with traces of red diesel will incur charges.

We’ve also introduced a sustainable system for the industry with our ecotech battery-operated misting systems. Which are powered solely with a battery, therefore emit no harmful emissions. Ecotech is the most sustainable misting option to tackle on-site air quality issues whilst reducing carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.

 

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