Imagine a fuel that not only meets everyday household needs, but also helps make a positive contribution to the environment. A fuel which promises efficiency and sustainability in equal measure.
In the continuous pursuit of greener energy sources, the adoption of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel is rapidly gaining traction.
In this blog we’ll be looking at what HVO fuel is, the many advantages of HVO fuel and its role in domestic heating, with a particular focus on our innovative Rayburn Heatranger series of award-winning two-in-one cookers and home heating appliances.
What is Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel?
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a renewable and sustainable liquid fuel produced from waste vegetable oils or animal fats. Through an advanced refining process known as hydrotreating, these oils or fats are converted into a high-quality fuel that is free from impurities and doesn't contribute to deforestation.
What are the benefits of HVO fuel?
As a fossil-free replacement for mineral diesel, HVO fuel is making its mark as a preferred alternative to traditional fuels, demonstrating distinct benefits that place it at the forefront of green energy solutions.
From environmental advantages to practical features, discover the many benefits of using HVO fuel in your home:
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
HVO fuel emits significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to conventional diesel fuels. Its use can contribute to a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions, helping to combat climate change.
Homes that convert from oil heating to HVO will immediately benefit from an 85% reduction in carbon emissions and every household switching to HVO would save five metric tonnes of carbon emissions every year.
Cleaner combustion
HVO fuel undergoes a rigorous hydrotreatment process that removes impurities, resulting in a fuel that burns much cleaner. This leads to improved efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements, contributing to a longer life for appliances.
Renewable and sustainable sources of energy
HVO is produced from renewable sources which can be sustainably farmed and harvested, making HVO a truly renewable fuel. Imports are regulated, ensuring only HVO of sustainable source is used in the UK.
Energy security and diversity
The use of HVO fuel diversifies our energy sources, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and increasing energy security.
The Rayburn Heatranger
Beneath the classic exterior of the Rayburn Heatranger lies a highly efficient combined heating and cooking system that creates mouth-watering dishes, a wonderfully warm home and piping hot water, just when you need it.
The award-winning Heatranger series represents the best example of efficient heating technology. The heating boiler is available in three outputs (60K Btu/h, 80K Btu/h and 100K Btu/h) ensuring there's an option for every size of home. Moreover, the heat output is flexible, reliable and controlled independently from the cooking functions.
The Heatranger and HVO fuel
Included in the Heatranger series are models 60, 80 and 100, each designed with HVO compatible burners, making these appliances not only eco-friendly but also future-ready.
The marriage of advanced technology with sustainability considerations ensures the Rayburn Heatranger delivers efficiency without compromising environmental integrity.
Given the cleaner combustion of HVO fuel, the Heatranger operating on this fuel requires less maintenance. HVO fuel also does not absorb water, so is less affected by climatic changes unlike traditional heating oil.
FAQs
How is HVO fuel made?
HVO fuel is produced through a rigorous hydrotreating process. This method involves applying hydrogen to vegetable oils or animal fats under high pressure and temperature. The hydrogen reacts with the oxygen in the fats and oils, converting them into high-quality fuel. This process also removes impurities and contaminants, resulting in a clean-burning and efficient fuel.
Can HVO fuel replace heating oil?
HVO fuel can serve as a direct replacement for heating oil in the Rayburn Heatranger. Due to its chemical properties, similar to traditional diesel fuel, HVO can be used without necessitating any significant modifications or alterations to your heating system. This 'drop-in' replacement characteristic makes transitioning to a greener energy source seamless and hassle-free.
What is the heating value of HVO?
HVO's heating value is comparable to that of kerosene heating oil as their calorific values are similar. However, what sets HVO apart is its cleaner and more efficient combustion process.
Is HVO more expensive than traditional fuel?
According to OFTEC, we understand that while the upfront cost of HVO can be slightly higher than some traditional fuels, the long-term benefits often result in cost savings. The superior combustion efficiency of HVO leads to lower maintenance costs and longer appliance life. Plus, its potential eligibility for renewable heat incentives (see above under benefits) can also offset its initial expense, making it a cost-effective solution over time.
Conclusion
HVO fuel, with its multitude of environmental and functional benefits, offers a promising solution for those wishing to make a positive impact without compromising on usability or convenience.
It is set to have a big part to play in the UK reaching the government’s target on reduced carbon emissions. This green energy alternative is not just for the distant future. It's here and now, ready to replace traditional fuels in many applications including home heating and cooking.
Adopting renewable and sustainable energy sources like HVO fuel is a crucial step in meeting the challenges of climate change. By choosing HVO, you're not just fuelling your home, you're fuelling a greener, cleaner future.
Visit https://www.agaliving.com/rayburn-heatranger to find out more about the innovative Rayburn Heatranger series which combines iconic Rayburn design with modern HVO fuel capability.
For more information on HVO, visit https://futurereadyfuel.info/ or https://www.oftec.co.uk/.
