Hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO)

Hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) is a biofuel produced from various oils and fats. Chemically, HVO is similar to diesel fuel and can be combined with diesel fuel in the desired mixing ratio as long as the DIN EN 590 standard is complied with.

Definition
Hydrogenated vegetable oil, abbreviated to HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), is a biofuel produced by hydrogenating vegetable oils and fats. HVO belongs to the group of hydrocarbons, provided that the required chemical and physical properties correspond to those of conventional diesel fuel.

Background / Origin
In recent years, HVO has gained in importance, particularly due to the increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly fuels. The production process of HVO is based on hydrogenation, in which the chemical structure of vegetable oils is changed to achieve greater stability and better performance characteristics.

The result is a fuel that is highly resistant to ageing and offers corresponding advantages over other biofuels such as FAME (high-fat vegetable oil blend). The use of HVO extends to various applications in mobility and industry, where the fuel represents a valuable alternative to fossil fuels.

Fuels such as HVO are traded through the Mabanaft group, which promotes its distribution in the energy sector. Oiltanking Deutschland plays a role in tank storage logistics and supports the distribution and storage of these biofuels.

Properties
Hydrogenated vegetable oil has a chemical composition that is almost identical to diesel fuel. The physical characteristics include

- High resistance to aging
- Hydrocarbon structure that allows it to be used in diesel engines

A notable difference is the better ageing and storage stability of HVO compared to conventional biodiesel.

Application and importance in the market
HVO is used in various blending ratios with diesel fuel as long as the requirements of DIN EN 590 are met. This flexibility enables wider use in mobility, particularly in the automotive industry and the commercial vehicle sector.

Industrially, HVO is also used to reduce carbon emissions, making it a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The biofuel combines the advantages of conventional diesel technology with the requirements of environmentally friendly energy.

Differentiation from similar terms
- FAME (high-fat vegetable oil mixture): HVO is a hydrocarbon and thus differs from FAME, which consists mainly of esters.
- Biodiesel: While HVO offers better resistance to ageing, biodiesel has disadvantages in this respect.

Summary
Hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) is a major biofuel derived from various vegetable oils and fats through hydrogenation. HVO is chemically similar to diesel fuel, which means that it can be used in a desired mixing ratio. The high ageing resistance of HVO represents a clear advantage over other biofuels. HVO is used in various market sectors, particularly in mobility and industry, and is traded via the Mabanaft Group.