It is remarkable and promising to see sustainable approaches domineering as a powerful alternative and solution to combat the environmental adversities posed by nonrenewable resources and practices. Part of this sustainable movement is biofuel, an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. Currently, biofuels have supplied 5.4% of the energy production worldwide for road transportation and is predicted to grow to 27% by 2050.
Learn more about it here: https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2022/transport-biofuels
Biofuels are liquid fuels converted from biomass, such as plants, animal by-products, or microorganisms. HVO fuel or hydrotreated vegetable oil, dubbed “renewable diesel,” is biofuel synthesized from plant oils or waste animal fats. This second-generation biofuel is like reaping multiple rewards. It can both be a quick-fix solution to the nonrenewable diesel production in the transport industry and an effective waste management solution.
Essentially, utilizing this alternative fuel reduces up to 90% of the net CO2 as well as poses a substantial reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. Thus, biofuel is a significant global focus of interest to meet climate and energy objectives.
Additionally, this sustainable fuel demonstrates performance characteristics akin to standard diesel, offering a high energy content that ensures efficient combustion. HVO fuel also exhibits high compatibility with existing engines, which makes it a practical drop-in replacement fuel for the current vehicle fleets and types of machinery.
Evaluating HVO Fuel’s Impact on Different Transportation Modes
Road Transport
HVO fuel has been continually assessed in terms of its performance in various types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and buses. These assessments typically focus on fuel efficiency, power output, and engine compatibility metrics. Additionally, they provide insights and direction into the necessary developments to make it a better, practical alternative fuel source.
Studies have shown that HVO fuel has indeed reduced hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and essentially other gas emissions without altering the engine. However, the production capacity of HVO fuel is currently not enough to meet the demand, especially when it is expected to increase in the coming years with more stringent government regulations. Thus, HVO is presently more expensive than fossil diesel, which may pose a solid roadblock to getting it to the average consumer.
Maritime Transportation
It is also essential to assess the fuel performance of HVO fuels in maritime vessels. This evaluation should cover its energy content and engine combustion efficiency to determine whether it is a suitable alternative fuel. The focal point of research surrounding HVO and naval vessels is its ability to lower emissions of pollutants, such as sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and carbon dioxide (CO2).
There has been evidence to support that this sustainable diesel has indeed shown a significant reduction in carbon emissions. However, HVO has also produced 30% higher particular concentration than MGO, or Marine Gas Oil. Nevertheless, the environmental benefits and better combustion still outweigh the negative factors that HVO poses.
Aviation
HVO fuel may have great potential in aviation but may require more ground for research. Challenges must be meticulously explored regarding safety certifications, scalability, and economic viability. As such, standards in aviation need to be more stringent than other transport vehicles, requiring rigorous testing and compliance with aviation regulations.
Countries have included plans to replace petroleum-based aviation fuel with SAF, or Sustainable Aviation Fuel, which HVO can be upgraded to in the next 20 years. SAF can potentially contribute to around 75% reduction in aviation engine emissions, allowing countries to achieve net-zero carbon emission goals. On the other hand, the high cost that comes with this alternate source can potentially be passed on to passenger’s overall flight expenses.
Overcoming Infrastructure Challenges
While the whole concept of HVO fuel is promising, it comes with many challenges that will need more than just one agency to solve—starting from the very raw materials these fuels are made of. HVO is competing not just with other fuel production but also with the food market. However, exploration of non-food oil alternatives is already underway to mitigate the biofuel’s production limitations caused by competition with food sources.
Overall, the integration of HVO fuel, or other biofuels for that matter, is still being impeded by challenges in infrastructure and standardization. Should countries strive to achieve their goal of a more sustainable future, it is of crucial urgency that these roadblocks be addressed and with care.
Expanding Infrastructure
The first and most pressing challenge that needs to be resolved is the currently limited supply of this sustainable diesel to the masses. Distributors, such as Syntech Biofuel, face challenges in their supply chain, with the steady increase of demand across businesses, with not a lot of production worldwide. A more robust infrastructure network must be established, encouraging more production facilities, distribution, and retail development on a larger scale.
Investment and Collaboration
Scaling up the infrastructure will require substantial investments, where public-private partnerships play a vital role. In addition to financial concerns, collaboration is also critical to ensure a seamless integration. Government entities will need to employ the knowledge of industry experts and the support of private investors to establish proper standards and guidelines that prioritize safety and effectiveness ahead of other factors.
Policy Support and Regulations
The government has taken great strides in creating strict regulations that push petroleum companies to find more renewable fuel sources. Providing incentives and supportive policies also offers a conducive environment for biofuels to thrive in various industries. More importantly, establishing clear guidelines and standards ensures compliance and sets the groundwork for a sustainable and regulated market.
Global Harmonization
Biofuels should not be limited to countries that can afford the higher cost. A collective effort to curb the global population’s carbon footprint means developing international policies that promote accessibility and usability for all nations. In creating uniform regulations and standards, there is a cohesive approach that facilitates more straightforward trade and adoption of HVo fuels across borders.
In essence, while the appreciation of the integration of HVO fuels into fuel-powered engines and machinery is robustly increasing, it requires a multifaceted approach to be successful. With a carefully curated approach, sufficient production, and support from the government, the HVO fuel market will soon be accessible and more cost-effective, allowing for widespread adoption and usage globally.
