HVO100: the clean diesel of the future in Belgium and Europe
In recent years, diesel has come to be seen in a negative light because of its perceived pollution. However, HVO100 diesel, a 100% renewable fuel, offers a cleaner alternative with significantly lower CO2 emissions and other pollutants. This fuel is already available in Germany, Spain and Scandinavia. But what about Belgium?
Fuel, MAES
The rise of HVO100
Since the Dieselgate scandal, diesel has become less popular. Yet HVO100, a new biodiesel made from 100% sustainable waste products, offers an environmentally friendly alternative. HVO stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil and is produced from various waste products from the food industry. Note: not from food crops like soy and palm oil! After all, that has been banned as of 2022.
Distribution in Europe
HVO100 is rapidly gaining ground at German filling stations and is also available in Spain and Scandinavia, including Norway, where Neste is a major producer. TotalEnergies also produces it in southern France. A catalytic reaction with hydrogen converts vegetable oils into hydrocarbons.
Environmental benefits
HVO100 diesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 80-90%, particulates by 33%, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 9%, carbon monoxides by 24% and hydrocarbons by 30%. This makes it a valuable option to support the energy transition without having to replace all vehicles immediately.
Future of HVO100 in Belgium
Vincent Orts of Brafco emphasises that HVO100 is an opportunity to reduce emissions in the transport sector. In Belgium, there are currently around 30 filling stations offering HVO100, mainly in the Antwerp region. However, HVO100 is not yet tax-free and costs around EUR 2.3 per litre, which is more expensive than regular diesel.
The industry hopes that the next government will be more receptive to the adoption of HVO100. According to Orts, the production capacity is sufficient to supply the entire diesel vehicle fleet. Modern diesel cars can in principle run on HVO100, and some manufacturers have already given approval, with a list available on our website, through the station finder.
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