Renewable fuel
Diesel generators running on HVO
HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) is a renewable paraffinic diesel fuel. For engines where the manufacturer approves it, it can replace fossil diesel — subject to written approval for the specific engine, generating set and duty.
- Production and composition
- Engine compatibility
- Storage and handling
- Lifecycle emissions
Production and composition
What HVO fuel is
HVO is a renewable diesel fuel produced from suitable renewable feedstocks — including waste and residue oils and fats such as used cooking oils and animal fats, as well as vegetable oils. Through hydrotreatment, these feedstocks are converted into paraffinic hydrocarbons chemically close to fossil diesel.
Unlike FAME biodiesel, HVO is a paraffinic fuel with good oxidation stability. That makes it easier to store than FAME — but storage is not indefinite: fuel age, water ingress and tank cleanliness still have to be managed.
HVO meeting the EN 15940 standard is a defined product quality. The standard alone, however, is not proof that a specific engine can run on it — compatibility must be confirmed by the engine or generating set manufacturer for the exact model, year, configuration and duty.
HVO production chain
Renewable feedstocks
Waste and residue oils and fats, vegetable oils
Hydrotreatment
Industrial process — conversion to paraffinic hydrocarbons
HVO fuel
Paraffinic diesel fuel meeting EN 15940
Generator operation
Where the manufacturer has approved the engine for HVO
Operation on HVO is subject to written manufacturer approval for the exact engine and generating set. The standard alone does not guarantee engine compatibility.
Applications
Where HVO generators are used
HVO is typically considered for standby and stationary installations where a lower-carbon fuel is part of the project's sustainability or ESG commitments — always subject to manufacturer approval of the engine and duty.
Data centres
Standby power for server halls where a lower-carbon fuel supports sustainability reporting and ESG commitments.
Manufacturing operations
Production plants and industrial sites with their own energy infrastructure and approved engines.
Energy projects
Island grids and standby supply for larger infrastructure projects where fuel choice is part of the project specification.
Telecom infrastructure
Backup power for base stations and telecom nodes with sustainability targets, subject to engine approval.
Environmental profile
What HVO can — and cannot — change
HVO is a fuel-side measure. Its environmental effect depends on the fuel actually supplied and on the engine and duty — it is not a universal guarantee.
Potentially lower lifecycle greenhouse-gas emissions
HVO can offer lower lifecycle greenhouse-gas emissions than fossil diesel. The actual reduction depends on the feedstock and the supplier's production methodology and must be verified with the supplier's certificate for the delivered fuel, expressed as well-to-wheel / lifecycle CO2e versus fossil diesel. The exhaust itself still emits CO2 — HVO is not a zero-emission fuel.
Cleaner combustion — partially
Lower particulate emissions are possible with HVO, depending on the engine and duty. NOx emissions are not guaranteed to be lower and vary by engine and operating point.
Not a Stage V conversion
Running an older engine on HVO does not convert it into a Stage V machine. Emissions certification is a property of the engine, not of the fuel.
Performance may differ
Runtime and fuel consumption on HVO may differ from fossil diesel depending on the model. There is no guarantee of identical power or consumption — values are confirmed by the manufacturer for the specific engine.
Engine compatibility
Verifying HVO compatibility for your generating set
Compatibility with HVO is always a question for the engine or generating set manufacturer — for the exact engine model, year of manufacture, configuration and intended duty. A fuel meeting EN 15940 is a necessary product quality, but by itself it is not proof of engine compatibility.
We therefore recommend working through a short verification instead of relying on brand names: even within one manufacturer's portfolio, approval can depend on the model, year and application. Where a manufacturer has published guidance, we use it as a starting point and confirm the specific case in writing.
For engines where the manufacturer approves HVO for the intended application, the changeover typically requires no hardware modifications — subject to the manufacturer's requirements for fuel quality, tank condition and maintenance. This is not a universal 'no changes' rule: requirements are defined per engine.
Manufacturers with published HVO guidance (individual verification required)
Examples only, not a blanket approval: manufacturers publish guidance per engine family and application, and specific duty or product exceptions apply. Approval for your exact engine, year and duty must always be confirmed in writing — EN 15940 compliance of the fuel alone is not sufficient.
Checks we recommend before switching to HVO
- 01
Written manufacturer approval
Approval for the exact engine and generating set — model, year, configuration — for the intended duty and warranty terms.
- 02
Fuel specification and certificate
The supplied fuel must meet EN 15940, confirmed by the supplier's certificate for each delivery batch.
- 03
Storage, cleanliness and water control
Tank condition, water control and fuel cleanliness remain the operator's responsibility; good oxidation stability does not remove the need for storage discipline, and storage is not indefinite.
- 04
Cold-temperature grade
Check the cold-climate grade of the supplied HVO against the site conditions and season.
- 05
Duty cycle and warranty verification
Confirm with the manufacturer how HVO operation interacts with the warranty and service requirements for your operating profile.
- 06
Expected runtime and consumption
Runtime and fuel consumption may differ per model — request manufacturer figures for the specific engine rather than assuming parity with diesel.
Solutions overview
Stage V generators and HVO — two different levers
Stage V generators
Engine-side emissions certification — required where EU NRMM rules or project conditions call for it.
- Mobile generators and rental machines where applicable
- Construction projects with Stage V requirements
- Projects where tenders specify Stage V equipment
- Compliance depends on machinery/engine category and placing-on-market rules
HVO fuel
Fuel-side measure — potentially lower lifecycle CO2e for engines approved by the manufacturer.
- Standby sources and stationary generators (where approved)
- Data centres with ESG commitments
- Manufacturing operations and energy projects
- Telecom infrastructure — subject to written engine approval
The two address different things: Stage V regulates exhaust pollutant limits of the engine; HVO changes the fuel's lifecycle carbon profile. Where the manufacturer approves HVO for a Stage V engine, the two can be combined.
Primary sources
What to mention in your inquiry
In the project description, include the engine or generator model, the fuel you plan to use, the intended duty and site conditions. We will verify compatibility with the manufacturer and confirm what applies for your exact configuration.
Related pages
Czech projects — scope as agreed
For Czech projects the delivery may include, as agreed: generator supply, design of the installation, commissioning on a prepared site, turnkey realization and a service contract. The scope is always clarified together during consultation and confirmed in the quotation. English-speaking customers are welcome throughout.
International supply — EXW CZ/NL
International direct sales are preferably EXW Czech Republic / Netherlands; transport is agreed individually. Installation and service abroad are possible in agreed cases and are always confirmed individually by location and model. Manufacturer warranty.
Considering HVO for your generators?
Tell us the engine or generator model, the intended fuel and the duty — we will verify compatibility with the manufacturer and confirm what applies for your configuration. We respond to every inquiry within one working day; detailed design and quotation timing depend on the project and agreed scope.