Highland Fuels opens Shetland’s first renewable diesel pump
DRIVERS OF diesel vehicles in Shetland have now the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint by as much as 90 per cent after the islands’ first HVO pump opened in Lerwick.
Highland Fuels said they were “incredibly proud” to bring a “sustainable fuel solution” to the isles.
HVO, or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, is a biofuel derived mainly from vegetable oils, offering a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional diesel.
It burns cleaner, with lower sulphur content and minimal particulates, resulting in improved air quality.
It can be used to power conventional diesel engines with no alterations to equipment necessary.
The UK’s most northerly HVO pump is located at the unmanned distribution point at the Böd of Gremista.
Managing director Stephen Rhoades said Highland Fuels was actively promoting eco-friendly practices as part of its ‘sustainability journey’.
“This is a significant milestone not just for Shetland, but for the entire UK. By making HVO readily available to consumers, we are empowering them to make eco-conscious choices and contribute to a greener future,” he said.
HVO is no longer exclusively made from vegetable oil but can be made from many waste materials, including residual animal fat from the food industries, tall oil by-products, used cooking oil, and more.
However, at 169.5p per litre the price at the pump is still slightly higher than for conventional diesel.