Environmental advocacy group German Environmental Aid brands HVO100 fuel derived from recycled cooking oil criticized

In the ongoing quest for climate-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels, a new contender has emerged in Germany: HVO100. However, this alternative fuel has sparked debate, with criticisms and defenses coming from various quarters.

The Federal Association of Free Tank Stations and Independent German Mineral Oil Dealers (bft) has rejected the criticism of HVO100, levied by Jürgen Resch, the federal managing director of the German Environmental Aid (DUH). Resch labelled HVO100 a "big scam" and "a fake climate protection."

HVO100 is a pure alternative fuel, produced from hydrogenated used vegetable oils and fat residues. These used oils and fats can originate from diverse sources, such as the catering industry or private households.

The bft, in response to Resch's criticisms, argued that resource shortages are not an argument against HVO, but a reason to promote the expansion of local collection systems. Daniel Kaddik, the managing director of bft, emphasised the importance of focusing on the practical realities of HVO production and usage.

The Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (Ifeu) in Heidelberg conducted a study on HVO100, which raises doubts about the extent of the savings in terms of CO2 emissions. The Ifeu study argues that there are already numerous uses for vegetable and animal fats as waste products, including as heating fuel, lubricant, and basis for washing cleaning agents, and perfumery.

However, the study also suggests that if the replacement consisted of particularly climate-damaging palm oil, HVO100 could be more climate-damaging than conventional diesel. This concern is particularly relevant as approximately half of the vegetable oil used for HVO production is imported from Asian countries, with China being a significant supplier.

Despite these concerns, the German railway is using HVO100 to convert its diesel fleet to climate-neutral in the medium term. The bft maintains that the Ifeu study does not accurately reflect the practical realities of HVO production and usage.

The bft also accused the DUH of trying unsuccessfully to discredit HVO and promote electricity as the only viable drive form. Jürgen Resch, in response, called for a refocus on electrification as the primary alternative to fossil fuels.

Projects in Germany have shown that the collection volume of vegetable oil can be significantly increased, offering a potential solution to the concerns about resource shortages. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how HVO100 will fit into Germany's future energy landscape.

Environmental advocacy group German Environmental Aid brands HVO100 fuel derived from recycled cooking oil criticized