HVO100 is the solution for carriers who want to start reducing emissions immediately, rather than after major fleet investments. This is also the case of the transport company DB Schenker, which was the first in Slovakia to refill with HVO100 at the first Eurowag petrol station in Slovakia with this fuel, in Malacky.
Prague, 13. February 2024 - Up to 90% lower CO2 emissions, superior performance, and the ability to refuel cars with modern diesel engines without any modifications. The HVO100 biofuel is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel that will enable companies to meet increasingly stringent environmental criteria. It can now also be refuelled by carriers in Slovakia. They can find it at the Eurowag petrol station in Malacky.
"Given the general pressure to reduce emissions throughout the supply chain and the growing emphasis on ESG, it is crucial for carriers to be able to meet their customers' wishes for better sustainability and a lower carbon footprint," says Dávid Halász, Head of Alternative Fuels at Eurowag. "Refuelling with HVO100 instead of conventional fuel is indeed a very efficient way to go. If carriers choose, they can start reducing emissions almost immediately, using their existing internal combustion engine trucks, without having to make any modifications to the vehicle. HVO100 thus removes a major barrier that other low-emission and zero-emission fuels face - the need for huge investments in the fleet," he explains.
HVO100 (abbreviation for hydrotreated vegetable oil, the number 100 indicates the percentage of renewable components) is a fuel made exclusively from renewable raw materials, whose largest producer is the Finnish company Neste. This fuel requires less energy to produce, so HVO100 has a much more sustainable life cycle compared to fossil fuel. In addition to lower emissions of CO2 (up to 90%), nitrogen oxides or solid particles, it also offers a higher cetane number, excellent cooling properties or, for example, easier storage.
The HVO100 biofuel is produced exclusively from renewable sources and therefore has great potential in commercial freight transport. This makes it easy for carriers to implement low-emission solutions. HVO100 is the most sustainable fuel on the market for today's diesel vehicles. Compared to conventional diesel, it reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90%, particulate and hydrocarbon emissions by 30%, carbon monoxide emissions by 24% and produces 9% less nitrogen oxides.
This will make it much easier for carriers to reduce emissions and can become a competitive advantage in the ESG field. More and more companies operating in the European Union are gradually having to report on the nonfinancial parameters that they burden the environment. The type of transport used also has an impact on the environment.
Therefore, the sustainable HVO100 fuel will also be refuelled at the Eurowag petrol station in Malacky by trucks from DB Schenker, one of the world's leading providers of logistics services.
"Sustainability and respect for the environment are two of DB Schenker's core values. We take a responsible approach towards sustainable logistics and are therefore the first to bring our customers the latest trends and innovations that support our long-term goal of reducing CO2 emissions. In our extensive fleet in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, we have CNG, LNG and even electric trucks charged with green electricity from fully renewable sources. Here, however, we perceive current disadvantages in the lack of petrol station infrastructure, but also in the high purchase price. That is why we became interested in the new sustainable fuel HVO100, which can be refuelled in a standard diesel vehicle without the need for any structural modifications. Thanks to this, we are able to reduce the burden of CO2 emissions by up to 90%, which is the most important benefit for our customers," adds Petra Sůvová, Head of Direct Operations CZ/SK Area, DB Schenker.
However, the wider use of HVO100 renewable fuel has so far been hampered by limited availability. The legislation in many European countries and at the EU level does not really support this renewable fuel. In Slovakia and the Czech Republic, it is subject to the same excise duty as fossil fuel, which is much more harmful to the environment. The European Union legislation, on the other hand, primarily takes into account the type of drive/engine of the vehicle, not the specific fuel and the associated emissions. Another obstacle is the lack of raw materials from which HVO100 is produced (mainly vegetable oil and animal fat) and few production refineries.
"If HVO100 is to become a widely available fuel, legislative support is needed, at least initially, to turn it from a somewhat marginal means of reducing emissions, which has so far been used mainly in rich and environmentally conscious countries, into a widely available fuel. The excise duty on HVO100 should take into account its environmental benefits, not classify it as a fossil fuel, which produces disproportionately more emissions. Such a move would give HVO100 a better chance to compete with fossil fuels on price and make this green solution much more attractive for carriers," says Dávid Halász.
For petrol stations, the inclusion of pure HVO in the fuel offer means a certain investment, as the renewable fuel must have its own, completely clean tank and refuelling gun. Therefore, HVO has so far been used mainly as an additive to fossil diesel. This is to increase engine reliability in cold weather and reduce emissions. Pure HVO100 can be refuelled at Eurowag acceptance network stations in the Benelux, Scandinavia, and Italy from 2022, Eurowag's own stations in Austria offer HVO100 from December 2023, with the Czech Republic soon to follow. Currently, Eurowag customers can refuel with HVO100 at a total of 140 stations in 7 countries. In addition, all Eurowag petrol stations are ready for a very fast deployment of HVO100 biofuel if the country's legislation or customer demand clears the way for it.
"Eurowag stations are designed to offer HVO100 almost immediately and without high costs. If there is customer interest in this fuel, supported, for example, by a reduction in excise duty compared to conventional fuel, we are ready to respond quickly," adds Dávid Halász. Eurowag has long been involved in reducing emissions from freight transport. This year, the company has introduced two new LNG stations and is also focussing on electromobility. Its goal is to offer its customers a complete portfolio of clean mobility services.
For more information on the services Eurowag provides to its conventional and alternative fuel customers, please visit the company's website.
EUROWAG has been providing integrated mobility and payment services to international transport companies since 1996. It is one of the fastest growing companies in Europe in its field. Its mission is to make the operation of the millions of trucks crossing Europe cleaner, fairer and more efficient. To this end, EUROWAG offers its customers products and services based on modern digital technologies, ranging from payments for conventional and alternative fuels, electric vehicle charging and toll payment, to tax refunds, telematics and navigation, to a range of financial services and advice in the field of clean mobility. In 2021, Eurowag became the only Czech company in history to list on the London Stock Exchange.
Eurowag also supports innovation in philanthropy. As part of the Philanthropy and You project, in which ¾ of the company's employees regularly participate, each Eurowag employee receives an individual budget for philanthropy, as well as complete confidence in how the money is spent. The project has already inspired several other large IT companies to undertake similar activities.
For more information, visit www.eurowag.com.
With more than 76,100 employees in more than 2,185 locations in more than 130 countries, DB Schenker is one of the world's leading providers of logistics services. The company operates land, air, and sea freight transport and offers comprehensive logistics and global supply chain management solutions.
Media contact:
EUROWAG
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daniel.dobrovic@dbschenker.com
PRAM Consulting s.r.o.
