HVO RENEWABLE DIESEL Myth or miracle?

A new generation of biofuel that's cleaner, greener, better for your engine and less prone to microbial growth sounds too good to be true... but the facts beg to differ

-  Hugo Andreae

Biodiesel does not currently enjoy a good reputation among the boating community. Stories of blocked filters, diesel bug infestations, damaged fuel lines and corroded pistons have put boat owners off the very idea of using it. However, a new generation of renewable diesel that is chemically identical to fossil-based diesel but cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 90% could prove to be the quickest and simplest route to a cleaner, greener boating future.

It sounds almost too good to be true and yet this fuel already exists and is currently in use in some cars, aeroplanes and even commercial boats. So what is it, how is it made, how come it's not yet readily available to leisure boat owners, and is it really the silver bullet we've all been waiting for? We've spoken to the experts at renewable fuel specialists Neste and engine builders Rolls-Royce MTU to bring you the answers.

What is HVO renewable diesel?

Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) or renewable diesel are two of several terms used to describe a new generation of bio-based diesel that's much cleaner-burning and far less prone to problems than the first generation FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) biodiesel.

This new generation of renewable diesel is a clear, colourless, odourless liquid that is chemically almost identical to the main component in fossil-based mineral diesel. It has all the same key characteristics and none of the drawbacks of either mineral or FAME biodiesel. In fact, it actually burns cleaner than fossil diesel because it lacks the naturally occurring impurities and aromatic hydrocarbons that give fossil-based diesel its distinctive colour and smell.