Criticism Levelled at HVO100 Fuel Derived from Recycled Cooking Oil by German Environmental Organization

In recent news, a new fuel called HVO100 has entered the German market, causing quite a stir. Produced from hydrogenated used vegetable oils and fat residues, this alternative fuel has been touted as a promising step towards reducing carbon emissions. However, not everyone is convinced.

HVO100 has been available in Germany since May 2024, and the abbreviation stands for Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil. The fuel is created from waste products that have various uses, including as heating fuel, lubricant, and a basis for washing cleaning agents and perfumery.

However, Jürgen Resch, the federal managing director of DUH (German Environmental Aid), has been vocal in his criticism of HVO100. He labels it a "huge deception" and "a fake climate protection." Resch's criticism is based on a study commissioned by DUH, carried out by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (Ifeu) in Heidelberg.

The Ifeu study raises doubts about the savings of HVO100 in terms of CO2 emissions. It is based on model assumptions that speculate on displacement effects and hypothetical palm oil substitutions. The study suggests that HVO100 could potentially be more climate-damaging than conventional diesel if the impacts of using climate-damaging alternatives like palm oil are considered.

On the other hand, an assessment by the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food from 2023 states that HVO100 saves up to 90 percent of CO2 emissions compared to conventional fossil diesel fuel. This contradicts the claims made in the Ifeu study.

The Federal Association of Free Tank Stations and Independent German Mineral Oil Dealers (bft) rejects the criticism against HVO100. Managing Director Daniel Kaddik of bft claims that the DUH has been unsuccessfully trying to discredit HVO and promote electric mobility as the only drive form.

Kaddik emphasizes that projects in Germany show that the collection volume can be significantly increased. This could potentially alleviate concerns about the need to find other oils to replace the exported plant fat for existing uses, a concern that could potentially lead to climate-damaging alternatives like palm oil.

The German Railway is one of the entities using HVO100 to gradually convert its diesel train fleet to climate-neutral operation. As the debate continues, it seems clear that HVO100 is a significant player in the ongoing shift towards sustainable fuel sources.

Electrification remains a significant alternative to fossil fuels, according to Resch's call to the German economy and the federal government. As the debate around HVO100 continues, it's clear that the push towards sustainable and climate-friendly solutions is a complex issue with many facets.

Criticism Levelled at HVO100 Fuel Derived from Recycled Cooking Oil by German Environmental Organization