HVO Fuel : Is It the Future of Farm Machinery?

The UK’s agricultural sector is undergoing a transformation. With the government pushing for net-zero emissions by 2050, farmers are under pressure to adopt more sustainable practices—including cleaner fuels for their machinery. One alternative gaining serious attention is Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel.

HVO is marketed as a renewable, low-emission replacement for diesel, capable of reducing carbon footprints without requiring farmers to invest in new machinery. But is it truly a game-changer? Or are there challenges that could slow down its adoption?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about HVO fuel for agriculture, including its benefits, drawbacks, and whether it’s the future of farm machinery in the UK.

What is HVO Fuel?

HVO fuel is a synthetic diesel alternative derived from vegetable oils, waste cooking oils, and animal fats. It undergoes a hydrotreatment process, making it cleaner, more stable, and more efficient than traditional biodiesel.

Key Features of HVO Fuel:

✅ Lower emissions – Reduces CO₂ by up to 90% and cuts harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx).
✅ Fully compatible – Can be used in existing farm machinery without modifications.
✅ Longer shelf life – Does not degrade like biodiesel, making it ideal for long-term storage.
✅ Better performance – Has a higher cetane number than diesel, leading to cleaner and more efficient combustion.
✅ Cold weather reliability – Unlike biodiesel, HVO does not freeze in low temperatures, ensuring year-round usability.

HVO is already being used in construction, transport, and emergency backup power—but can it truly replace red diesel in agriculture? Let’s explore the potential.

Why Farmers Are Considering HVO Fuel

1. Lower Carbon Emissions for Sustainable Farming

The UK government has already phased out red diesel subsidies for many industries, and agriculture could face similar restrictions in the future.

By switching to HVO fuel, farms can:

• Reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90%.
• Lower their overall environmental impact.
• Stay ahead of government carbon reduction policies.

Many food retailers and supply chains are also prioritizing eco-friendly farming, meaning adopting HVO could boost a farm’s reputation and open up new business opportunities.

2. Works with Existing Tractors and Machinery

Unlike electric or hydrogen-powered alternatives, HVO is a drop-in replacement for red diesel. This means farmers can:
✔ Use it in tractors, harvesters, loaders, and generators without modifications.
✔ Switch between red diesel and HVO if needed.
✔ Avoid the high costs of upgrading to new machinery.

This seamless transition is a major advantage, allowing farms to adopt cleaner fuels without disruption.

3. Better Engine Performance & Less Maintenance

HVO burns cleaner than diesel, leading to:

• Reduced engine wear and tear.
• Lower soot and carbon buildup in machinery.
• Fewer filter and injector issues.

This means less maintenance, fewer breakdowns, and improved reliability—saving both time and money for farmers.

4. Fuel Stability & Long Storage Life

Unlike biodiesel, which degrades over time, HVO fuel has excellent storage stability. It does not:
❌ Absorb water.
❌ Form sludge or microbial growth.
❌ Require additional additives for long-term storage.

For farmers who store fuel for months at a time, this is a huge advantage over both diesel and biodiesel.

Challenges and Drawbacks of HVO Fuel

While HVO fuel sounds like the perfect solution, there are some challenges that farmers need to consider before making the switch.

1. Higher Cost Compared to Red Diesel

One of the biggest barriers to HVO adoption is cost. HVO fuel is currently more expensive than red diesel, mainly due to:

• Limited UK production.
• Higher refining costs.
• Lack of widespread government subsidies.

As demand increases and production scales up, prices could drop—but for now, cost remains a major factor for farmers.

2. Availability Issues in Rural Areas

Red diesel is widely available across the UK, but HVO fuel is still limited to certain suppliers. This means farmers may need to:
🚛 Arrange bulk deliveries.
📍 Travel further to find a supplier.
📅 Plan fuel orders in advance to avoid shortages.

For farms in remote areas, limited availability could cause delays—especially during peak seasons.

3. Lack of Government Support & Incentives

Unlike electric vehicles, HVO fuel does not yet receive significant tax breaks or subsidies from the UK government.

This raises concerns about:

• Whether HVO will remain cost-competitive with diesel.
• Future policy changes that could impact fuel prices.
• The government’s long-term commitment to biofuels.

If the UK government introduces fuel duty reductions or tax incentives, HVO adoption could increase significantly.

Is HVO Fuel the Future of UK Agriculture?

The Case for HVO Fuel

✅ Sustainable & eco-friendly – Meets net-zero targets.
✅ Compatible with existing farm equipment – No modifications needed.
✅ Improves engine performance & reduces maintenance costs.
✅ Reliable fuel storage – No degradation issues.

Challenges That Need to Be Addressed

⚠ Cost remains higher than red diesel.
⚠ Availability is still limited in some areas.
⚠ No clear government subsidies or tax breaks for HVO in farming.

The Future Outlook

• Short Term (1-3 Years) – HVO will coexist with red diesel, with some farms adopting it as a secondary fuel.
• Medium Term (3-7 Years) – Costs may decrease, leading to wider adoption.
• Long Term (7+ Years) – If the government introduces stronger incentives, HVO could become the primary fuel for farm machinery.

Conclusion: Should Farmers Switch to HVO?

HVO fuel offers clear benefits for the agricultural sector: it’s sustainable, engine-friendly, and easy to adopt. However, its higher cost and limited availability remain obstacles for many UK farmers.

For farmers looking to reduce emissions immediately, HVO is a viable option—especially for those in supply chains prioritizing sustainability.

However, for those watching their budget, waiting for price reductions or government incentives may be the better choice.

Final Recommendation

🔹 If you can afford the switch and have access to a supplier, HVO is worth considering.
🔹 If cost is a concern, keep an eye on future developments—HVO may become more affordable soon.

Would you consider switching to HVO fuel for your farm? Share your thoughts below!

Summary: Key Takeaways

• HVO fuel is a renewable alternative to red diesel, offering 90% lower emissions.
• It is fully compatible with existing farm machinery, requiring no modifications.
• Performance benefits include better combustion, reduced maintenance, and long storage life.
• Challenges include higher costs, limited availability, and uncertain government support.
• If production scales up and policies improve, HVO could be the dominant fuel for UK agriculture in the next decade.

Looking for an HVO fuel supplier near you? Start comparing options today to prepare for the future of farming!