Poland's Orlen rolls out future fuel HVO100, available to drivers abroad

Orlen is expanding its sales of HVO100, a sustainable diesel fuel, beyond Poland, with a new station now offering it in Bratislava, Slovakia. This move marks a pilot phase to assess customer demand and the company's operational capacity for broader implementation of the new product.

Slovakia joins Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic in offering HVO100 at select Orlen stations. The company emphasizes that this fuel is compatible with diesel engines whose manufacturers permit HVO100 use, requiring no alterations to the powertrain. HVO100, or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, is produced from waste sources like used cooking oils and animal fats. Its production process, hydrotreating, yields properties closely resembling conventional diesel fuel, distinguishing it from traditional FAME biodiesel.

A key advantage of HVO100 is its 'drop-in' capability, meaning it can be used in many modern diesel engines without any structural modifications. Manufacturers like Mazda and Porsche highlight its potential to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions throughout the fuel's lifecycle compared to conventional diesel. Renewable fuels are seen as a critical technology for decarbonizing the transport sector, applicable to both new and existing vehicles.

While many diesel engines can utilize HVO100, compatibility is determined by the vehicle manufacturer. A growing number of brands, including Mazda, Mercedes, Volvo, Scania, MAN, DAF, and various Volkswagen Group models, now approve its use. Mazda, for instance, confirms that its newer Skyactiv-D engines are compatible, and has conducted journalistic tests with models like the CX-60 and CX-80 running on HVO100. This fuel can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel, supporting Mazda's view that decarbonization requires a multi-faceted approach, including switching fuels in existing vehicles.

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HVO100 is a drop-in solution that works under full Mazda warranty and can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel.