HVO in detail

FAQ – The most important Questions and Answers

HVO in general 

What are the advantages of HVO?
  • up to 90 percent less CO2 emissions (depending on the manufacturing process and feedstock) compared to fossil diesel.  
  • up to 80 percent less particulate emissions  
  • reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions by up to of 8 percent  
  • suitable for most engines  
  • drop-in fuel which does not require new fueling infrastructure or asset modifications  
  • excellent storage properties    
  • suitable for cold weather conditions  
  • Cost efficiency compared to other decarbonized solutions    
Are HVO and biodiesel (FAME) the same kind of fuel?

No, these are two different products. The feedstock can be the same, but the processing of fuel is different, Biodiesel is based on fatty acid methyl ester: FAME, the fuel quality is less high and less constant.  

How is HVO available?

The availability is driven by governmental regulations regarding the sector decarbonization strategy. Global HVO processing and co-processing volumes will quadruple by 2025 vs 2020 (from 9mt to 40mt), mostly driven by significant growth in North America, followed by Europe and APAC.  

How is the pricing structured?

The pricing follows governmental regulations and therefore differs (Dependent on energy content, physical properties, regulations and decarbonization alternatives). We recommend reaching out to Neste MY channel partners or your fuel distribution partner.    

Which kind of experience did Rolls-Royce Power Systems make with HVO?

We officially released the mtu engines in various applications for HVO and tested the material compatibility, the engine power output and the TBO respective maintenance schedule and the emission behavior. Our knowledge is based on internal measurements and exchanges with fuel producers & suppliers. We experienced no disadvantages.  

Strategic partnership between Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Neste 

Why is Neste chosen as strategic partner?

Neste offers with their HVO “Neste MY Renewable Diesel” a best-in-class product and a patented production process. Neste MY is an HVO in its purest form (HVO100). Compared to other HVOs, Neste MY has no FAME content, the most extensive raw material portfolio, excellent production stability and very good cold properties. Neste MY complies with the EN15940 standard for Paraffinic Diesel fuel.  

  

What’s in for Rolls-Royce Power Systems customers?

Together we develop sustainability as business opportunity by supporting customers to reduce GHG emissions, reaching NetZero targets: We can calculate on monetary basis the impact of a HVO switch with our HVO calculator, directly consult costumers in respective markets and accompany the switching process to give full transparency.      

Why Neste MY Renewable Diesel?

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is produced via the patented NEXTBTL technology and has a significantly higher quality than traditional biodiesel products, which have a use limitation. Outstanding shelf life and therefore very small risk of bacterial growth.    

The high quality is provable by a very stringent process for ensuring the integrity of our entire supply chain: feedstock monitoring, testing, performance endurance, highest quality, and purity as well as strict sustainability standards (ISCC certified).   The raw materials are composed by more than 10 feedstocks, more than 90% by residues and various vegetable oils. High investments are allocated to the Innovation section to research on scalable, sustainable feedstocks like forestry waste, municipal solid waste, and algae and even converting power to liquids. Neste is awarded as the 4th most sustainable company in the world.  

In which refineries is Neste MY Renewable Diesel produced?

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is produced at Neste's refineries in Porvoo, Singapore and Rotterdam. The production will be expanded also to the US, California.    

All Neste refineries that produce renewable products have International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) or are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In addition, the refineries in Porvoo, Rotterdam and Singapore have ISO 14001 environmental certification.  

How much renewable diesel does Neste produce annually and how much can it contribute to the reduction of emissions?

Neste is the world's largest producer of renewable diesel. Every year Neste produces more than three million tons of renewable diesel. The Singapore expansion expected to come online i1 2023, Neste increases the total renewable product capacity from 3.2 to close to 5.5 million tons annually by end of 2023.  

How does the availability look like?

28 countries served since 2020 across the world with Neste renewable diesel, more than 600 fueling stations across our growing global network, more than 4,000 B2B customers served worldwide through our sales force and network of channel partner.

Power Generation & HVO 

What Gensets are approved by Rolls-Royce Power Systems?

The mtu S4000Gx3/4, S1600Gx0/1 loose engine & gensets are approved for use.    

How does the emission savings look like?

Average savings based on back-to-back test with 20V4000G94LF, 3D: up to -8% Nitrogen dioxide, -9% Carbon dioxide and -50 to 80% Soot.  

How does the load acceptance look like?

The load acceptance stays unchanged in comparison to fossil fuels. The maximum engine power output stays unchanged in comparison to fossil fuels.  

What must be done to the unit before operating on HVO?

mtu units are ready today to operate on HVO, there are no modifications necessary. It is recommended to check Rolls-Royce Power Systems’ latest Fluids and Lubricants Specifications. The observation of fuel filters is recommended. The hydrophobic characteristics of HVO lead to a higher amount of water separated in the water separator.  

What needs to be done with the fuel tank?

Lower density leads to an increased tank volume of the fuel by approx. 3% for the same runtime. HVO can be added to a fuel tank at any level as it is drop-in ready. It is advised that before filling a fuel tank it is always assess for fuel and tank health. This way if there is a contamination issue in the tank this can be addressed before new/clean fuel is added.  

What happens to the life of the unit?

The unit will follow the same maintenance schedule on HVO as it does with fossil diesel fuel.    

How does HVO impact my aftertreatment system?

It depends on the aftertreatment system deployed on the system. For example, a passive DPF when new could take a bit longer to build up the cake layer to get to optimal efficiency. With Active DPF filters the cake layer is often cleaned off and must be built back up. As HVO has a lowering PM result it can result in more time where the Active DPF filter is not at its optimal efficiency point. Therefore, it is advised to use Passive filters that do not burn off the cake layer. After treatment systems supplied by Rolls-Royce Power Systems are approved to operate on HVO.  

Can I add cold weather improvers to my fuel?

It is recommended to always work with your fuel supplier with any additive. This is to ensure the additive will work properly with the fuel. Traditional additives used with distillate diesel fuel generally do not work with HVO. If you are in a region where cold weather is a concern it is best to get the fuel delivered from the beginning with the right cold weather package.  

Does HVO improve low load effects on the genset?

It is not recommended to run a unit at low load for an extended period, regardless of the fuel. mtu engines are capable to run continuously at low loads, e.g. Series 4000 can go down to 30 kW/cyl.    

Is it possible to switch from HVO to diesel and diesel to HVO?

Yes, this is possible and the reason the fuel is considered a drop-in fuel.  

How do I proceed if I want to operate my mtu unit with HVO?

Step 1 – Check whether your genset is released or request project wise release via Rolls-Royce Power Systems contact  

Step 2 – Clarify governmental regulation of EN15940 usability and availability/ pricing  

Step 3 – Assess the condition of the fuel tank and the product in use, in case of contamination tank and fuel system cleaning is recommended  

Step 4 – Get in touch with your fuel supplier of choice to ensure lead-time