How is The RAF Shifting to Renewable Fuel for Defence?
With up to 90% carbon savings and no need for infrastructure upgrades, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is quickly gaining traction as a critical tool for decarbonising high emission sectors.
In the UK, the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Dorset Council are proving that renewable diesel is more than a concept for cutting emissions across logistics, defence and public fleets.
Energy suppliers like CFP Energy are saying wider public-sector adoption could now accelerate HVOs usage.
The power of HVO
The RAF’s five month trial of HVO fuel in Wittering, Cambridgeshire, was the first of its kind in a military setting.
The trial involved vehicles including two Mechanical Transport Squadron, the Operational Field Catering System from three Mobile Catering Squadron and ground fuel specialists from one Expeditionary Logistics Squadron.
According to trial data, HVO reliably powered military logistics without any need for engine modifications, building on earlier successes at RAF Leeming with boiler systems.
This evolution is now extending into civilian infrastructure.
Dorset Council has committed to switching its entire heavy vehicle fleet, including waste collection and highways maintenance, to HVO.
This makes it one of the first UK local authorities to do so at scale.
The council anticipates emissions reductions of up to 90%, demonstrating how HVO can deliver a quick and efficient impact without waiting on electric or hydrogen alternatives.
“The RAF and Dorset Council successes show HVO is ready to drive real change in logistics decarbonisation,” says Bjorn Breckx, CFP Energy Director.
“The success clearly illustrates that HVO is not just a viable fuel alternative; it’s truly a ‘drop-in’ replacement for traditional diesel.
“This is especially important for sectors like logistics, where companies like FedEx can easily switch to this cleaner-burning fuel without the burden of costly engine modifications.
“This user-friendly transition removes both financial and operational obstacles, making HVO a logical and sustainable option for large fuel users providers eager to lessen their environmental impact.”
Why HVO?
HVO is synthesised from 100% renewable raw materials using a hydrogenation process, resulting in a fuel that is free from sulphur, oxygen and aromatics.
This leads to a cleaner burn, reducing harmful pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, whilst maintaining or improving vehicle performance.
Compared to traditional diesel, HVO slashes lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 90%.
Unlike electrification, HVO is a true ‘drop-in’ replacement, compatible with existing diesel engines and fuelling systems.
Importantly, the appeal isn’t limited to transport.
With global military emissions at 5.5% of the total, and just two of 30 NATO members currently operating on a net zero basis, HVO also holds strategic significance.
“The emissions created by conflict are astronomical but they could be rapidly reduced, especially when it comes to sustainable aviation fuel and HVO,” comments Bjorn.
Partnerships to scale HVO
To fully realise the potential of HVO across the transport and defence sectors, CFP Energy is calling for deeper collaboration between fuel suppliers, fleet operators and regulators.
The UK’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) and the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) have laid some foundations however bolder action is essential to meet net zero targets.
“If we want renewable fuels like HVO to become mainstream, policies need to evolve,” says Bjorn.
“We need stronger mandates, increased subsidies, and tighter sustainability standards for feedstocks.”
Companies like CFP Energy play a critical role in guiding clients through fuel adoption, providing data-backed emissions certifications and reliable HVO supply chains.
“CFP Energy actively collaborates with large-scale public and private organisations to tailor sustainable fuel solutions that meet specific operational requirements… helping organisations navigate the complexities of fuel choice, cost analysis, and environmental impact assessment,” explains Bjorn.
RAF’s net zero strategy
The RAF isn’t just adopting HVO use.
Its net zero by 2040 commitment is showcased by a broader shift toward sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), electric ground vehicles and modernised infrastructure.
SAF is already in use at RAF Lossiemouth, where aircraft like the Typhoon and Poseidon are flying on SAF blends, cutting emissions by up to 80%.
Projects such as Project MARTIN and Project VITAL involve synthetic fuel made of air and water, geothermal and solar energy, carbon capture and nature-based carbon offsetting strategies.
Beyond carbon savings, these efforts offer operational resilience by reducing reliance on fossil fuel supply chains and supporting interoperability with NATO and allied forces.
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