The RAC has begun testing hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) supplieed by Certas Energy as an alternative fuel source for seven recovery trucks operating from its Walsall headquarters, as part of its carbon reduction strategy.
The organisation has installed a dedicated HVO storage tank at its headquarters in Walsall, West Midlands. The renewable fuel, which can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 85%, is projected to potentially save 300,000kg of CO2 annually when used in the seven-truck trial fleet.
RAC Fleet Manager Matt Hilliar commented on the initiative: “This is an exciting project which will deliver both environmental and business benefits. If the trial continues to be as successful as the early indications show, we will explore using HVO more widely.”
Certas Energy, the UK’s largest fuel and lubricant distributor, has been selected as the HVO supplier. The fuel is produced entirely from renewable raw materials and sustainable waste derived from verified vegetable fats and oils, making it suitable for commercial vehicles and machinery in both on-road and off-road applications.
Steve Little, MD of Certas Energy, commentee: “Transitioning to HVO is a great short- and medium-term solution to drastically reduce carbon emissions as the transport sector continues to transition to electric vehicles. This trial with the RAC demonstrates our shared commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.”
He emphasised that the RAC partnership is building on the ”remarkable market momentum” Certas has been a part of in the last two years, with ”increasing demand” for renewable diesel/HVO. “We’re delighted that our partnerships are showcasing how renewable fuels play a vital role in the UK’s journey to net zero,” he added.
