The Battle of the Fuels: Diesel, HVO, Hydrogen
Choosing the right fuel for your business is a big conversation. With factors like sustainability, longevity and availability all at play, the answer is not as cut and dry as we like to think. But we’re here to help with this newsletter. Today, we’re going to break down the pros and cons of the big three in generator fuels (diesel, HVO, and hydrogen) to see which really comes out on top.
Diesel: Reliable and consistent?
The Positives
A steady source of power. Diesel has been a firm friend of the energy sector for over a century. Made from crude oil, diesel is readily available and compatible with almost every type of generator currently on the market.
Easy to store. Unlike other energy sources, diesel can be stored as a liquid at ambient room temperature. As a result, it is significantly easier to transport and conserve until point of use.
Affordable. As mentioned above, diesel is perhaps the most readily available fuel option on the market. Both the fuel itself and the infrastructure around it are significantly more affordable than their HVO and hydrogen counterparts.
The Negatives
A limited supply. Diesel is produced from decaying biomass that is millions of years old. It is no surprise that this limits the amount of fuel available to us, a limit that we, as a global community, are rapidly approaching.
Polluting. The rapid burning of diesel releases carbon dioxide, monoxide, and air particulates back into the atmosphere. Over time, this stream of pollution has become a negative influence on climate change.
HVO: The stepping stone?
The Positives
An easy option. Hydrotreated vegetable oil (also known as HVO or biodiesel) is created with cooking oil, vegetable oil, or other lipids. It is considered a low carbon fuel that is compatible with many standard diesel generators. This means that the switch to HVO requires no significant shift in behaviour when it comes to power.
A replenishable source. Unlike diesel, HVO is created using an entirely renewable source: cooking oils from rapeseed, palm oil, and soy. Consequently, with proper planning, there is no risk of running out of this fuel supply anytime soon.
Limits pollution. Research has suggested that HVO has the capacity to be up to 90% net carbon neutral, with an 85% reduction in particulate emissions, and a 30% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions. Overall, these are numbers that look very good.
The Negatives
It could be too good to be true. One of the main concerns about HVO is the fact that their numbers are based on lifecycle emissions rather than tailpipe emissions. The assumption is that the carbon captured by the plant while it is growing is enough to offset the carbon released during consumption. It is, therefore, difficult to validate exactly where (and if!) there is any reasonable reduction in emissions.
Expense. Due to the nature of HVO, it can cost up to 15% more than diesel. When every penny counts, this might not be the best choice.
Hydrogen: The future?
The Positives
Minimal environmental impact. The only by-product from converting hydrogen into energy is water. This basically harmless emission means that hydrogen power (particularly green hydrogen power) is non-toxic, unpolluting, and has minimal impact on the environment.
Requires less maintenance. When compared to diesel generators, hydrogen power has minimal moving parts, which means there’s less to go wrong. Not only does this mean lower maintenance costs, but it minimises the risk of downtime – a terrible inconvenience to every industry.
Quiet. Hydrogen generators can operate without the excessive noise commonly associated with generators. This can be particularly beneficial for those working in environments where noise pollution is a concern.
The Negatives
Availability. Though the concept of hydrogen power has been around for several years, it has only recently become a tangible solution. Only a handful of manufacturers are producing these machines, making it difficult for those curious about hydrogen to get hold of one.
Expense. Even if you can find a hydrogen generator, then you’re in for a hefty bill. Without the infrastructure that diesel benefits from, the full cost of producing, transporting, and using hydrogen power falls on the consumers. It’s a steep price to pay.
Each of these solutions brings something unique to the table, making them individually great sources of power. However, choosing the right one can be a headache, which is something Dawsongroup energy solutions can help you with. We provide quality power without the fuss, ensuring you have access to the right fuel for your operations.
Have a chat with one of our team today, and they’ll help you choose between diesel, HVO, and hydrogen.
Got questions? Contact our team today to find out how our Smarter Asset Strategy can help you to to establish your energy future.
