Seven things you may not know about HVO

HVO100 Renewable Diesel is a synthetic and fossil-free biofuel that can be used as an alternative to regular diesel. Some have heard of HVO over time, but there are some things you maybe did not know. For the full picture beyond these seven facts – including RED III compliance, cold-weather performance, and the fleet business case – see our complete guide to HVO100.

Why is it called HVO?
HVO stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, as it is made by mixing vegetable oils or animal fats with hydrogen at high temperatures and pressures.

How long has HVO existed?
Industrial production started in 2007, when Neste began producing renewable diesel at its Porvoo refinery in Finland. Today HVO is sold both blended into diesel and pure, as HVO100.

Who produces HVO?
Our partner Neste is one of the largest producers of HVO. Neste has its origins in Finland and started as an oil refiner; today it produces renewable fuels at refineries in Finland, the Netherlands and Singapore.

What does HVO consist of?
As a starting point, it is often said that HVO consists of residues and waste from, for example, the fish and meat industry. But HVO can consist of many different things, such as:

• Animal fats from the meat and fish industry
• Used cooking and frying oil
• Vegetable oils of various kinds

What proportion of HVO is residues and waste?
It depends on the producer and the year. Neste reports that waste and residues make up approximately 90% of its renewable raw material inputs globally (Neste Annual Report 2025) – a company-wide average, not the exact mix of every delivery. The raw material behind each delivery is stated in its Proof of Sustainability.

Why can CO2 reduction vary with HVO?
This is essentially about the different compositions of the raw materials used to develop HVO. The proportions of the individual raw materials vary from year to year depending on the availability of the raw materials, price, and specific market requirements.

What does the future hold for HVO?
Much work is being done to scale up HVO production – Neste, for example, is expanding its Rotterdam refinery – and to research new raw materials.