The Royal Air Force’s (RAF) successful five-month trial of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) at RAF Wittering1 demonstrated that low-carbon fuels are ready for real-world logistics operations. The trial involved five vehicles from 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron, the Operational Field Catering System from 3 Mobile Catering Squadron, and ground fuel specialists from 1 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron (1ELS), marking the first use of HVO in RAF vehicles and building on previous successful boiler trials at RAF Leeming.
Now, that momentum is spreading beyond the military. Dorset Council recently announced it will switch its entire heavy fleet, including bin lorries and highways maintenance vehicles, from diesel to HVO2, becoming one of the first local authorities in the UK to make such a large-scale commitment. The council expects this move to cut fleet emissions by up to 90%, underscoring HVO’s growing appeal as a practical, drop-in solution for reducing transport-related carbon emissions.
Conducted under operational conditions, the RAF’s trial tested HVO’s performance across diverse military vehicles, confirming its reliability and practicality. Unlike electrification, which requires major infrastructure upgrades, HVO can deliver immediate emissions reductions without modifying existing engines.
The publication of a report ‘How increasing global military expenditure threatens SDG 13 on Climate action’, revealed that the world’s militaries account for 5.5% of global emissions and only two of 30 NATO nations operate on a net zero basis.
In the time since the report was published, the UK has also announced a significant increase in military and defense spending, which will only increase its contribution to global emissions.
CFP Energy Director Bjorn Breckx is driving the adoption of HVO (renewable diesel) and sustainable aviation fuel, as well as biofuels, across Europe and the UK. He explains why this surge in public-sector HVO adoption, led by organisations like the RAF and Dorset Council, marks a turning point. This is what needs to happen to scale low-carbon fuel adoption across sectors.
“The RAF and Dorset Council successes show HVO is ready to drive real change in logistics decarbonisation.”
“The success clearly illustrates that HVO is not just a viable fuel alternative; it’s truly a ‘drop-in’ replacement for traditional diesel. This is especially important for sectors like logistics, where companies like FedEx can easily switch to this cleaner-burning fuel without the burden of costly engine modifications. This user-friendly transition removes both financial and operational obstacles, making HVO a logical and sustainable option for large fuel users providers eager to lessen their environmental impact.”
“With defense spending in Europe rapidly increasing, the opportunity to invest in sustainable fuels should follow. The emissions created by conflict are astronomical but they could be rapidly reduced, especially when it comes to sustainable aviation fuel and HVO.”
HVO is synthesised from 100% renewable raw materials using a hydrogen-based process, resulting in a fuel that doesn’t release new carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This next-generation low-carbon diesel can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%. In addition to lowering carbon emissions, HVO offers a cleaner combustion profile (free of sulfur, oxygen, and aromatic compounds) which significantly reduces harmful emissions like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Moreover, it performs better in colder temperatures and has a longer shelf life than biodiesel, making it a highly reliable fuel option for fleet operators.
Breckx states that the success of this trial clears the path for wider adoption of HVO in various sectors
“With HVO, multiple industries can achieve immediate carbon reductions and long-term sustainability, too. FedEx, for example, anticipates an up to 80% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions when transitioning to HVO3. Biofuels like HVO have the potential to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 90% or more, showing that HVO is a game-changer in the fight against climate change.”
As we look toward the future, HVO and other advanced biofuels will play a pivotal role in helping logistics companies achieve ambitious sustainability goals, especially where full electrification or hydrogen solutions may still be out of reach. Key trends that point to the widespread adoption of HVO include:
Decarbonising heavy-duty vehicles: Unlike electric vehicles, which often struggle with battery capacity and charging infrastructure for long-haul trips, HVO is ready to go. It works seamlessly with existing diesel engines, providing an immediate solution for reducing carbon emissions.
Scaling availability: As we ramp up production and find more sustainable sources for feedstocks, the benefits of HVO will become even more widespread.
Blending potential: Since HVO can be mixed with traditional diesel, it allows for a smoother transition toward lower carbon footprints without the need for a complete overhaul of the fleet.
Further regulatory measures would support HVO’s wider use in the logistics, transport and defense industries, says Breckx.
“Partnerships between fuel producers, energy suppliers, and logistics companies are essential for driving innovation in sustainable fuels. Companies like CFP Energy have a pivotal role to play, offering expertise, certifying CO2 savings, and ensuring a reliable supply of HVO. These partnerships help operators understand the real benefits of HVO, both operational and environmental, and lay the groundwork for innovative, sustainable solutions.
But none of this can happen without proper regulatory support. If we want renewable fuels like HVO to become mainstream, policies need to evolve. The UK’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) and the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) have laid the foundation, but we need stronger mandates, increased subsidies, and tighter sustainability standards for feedstocks to truly ramp up adoption.
The logistics, transport and defense industries are facing a critical moment. If we’re serious about decarbonising, HVO is one of the most viable tools at our disposal. But to make it work at scale, all stakeholders (businesses, governments, and regulators) need to step up and take action.”
Breckx: HVO’s future in logistics, transport and defence relies on strong partnerships and enhanced Regulations
Energy suppliers, such as CFP Energy, play a pivotal role in facilitating these transitions by providing the expertise, infrastructure, and support needed for seamless implementation, Breckx notes:
“CFP Energy actively collaborates with large-scale public and private organisations to tailor sustainable fuel solutions that meet specific operational requirements. These partnerships ensure that fuel options like HVO are not only available but are also optimised for performance and sustainability. By leveraging their deep industry knowledge, CFP Energy supports the transition to a more sustainable future by helping organisations navigate the complexities of fuel choice, cost analysis, and environmental impact assessment.
Furthermore, CFP Energy is instrumental in helping private and public organisations measure and report their progress towards sustainability goals, such as the reduction of carbon emissions. Through partnerships, these companies gain access to vital data, certifications, and a reliable supply of high-quality HVO, which allows them to make meaningful strides toward decarbonisation.”
HVO adoption accelerates: From RAF success to council fleets, the path to low-carbon accelerates
The RAF’s HVO trial, now echoed by initiatives like Dorset Council’s diesel replacement program, signals growing momentum for green fuel adoption. HVO is a proven, drop-in solution that slashes emissions without major infrastructure costs: a game-changer for logistics, transport, construction and the military. But real impact requires scale. Businesses, policymakers, and producers must work together to boost supply chains, secure sustainable feedstocks, and expand distribution. The blueprint is clear, now it’s time for the wider sector to follow, accelerating HVO adoption and driving meaningful emissions cuts.
