Hoya, May 13, 2026 – The newly published “Overview Study HVO100” by htw saar provides a comprehensive scientific assessment of HVO100, an alternative to fossil diesel that is already available today. It clearly shows the potential of this fuel for an immediate reduction in new CO2 emissions in the transport sector – especially in existing vehicles. The eFuels Forum sees this as an important basis for a fact-based and technology-open debate on greater sustainability in mobility.
The transport sector is facing one of the biggest challenges of the energy transition: While the focus of the political debate is often on electromobility, the reality shows that millions of existing vehicles will continue to rely on liquid energy sources in the coming years – as well as the new stock of vehicles that will continue to arrive now. Against this backdrop, more sustainable, immediately available fuel alternatives are becoming increasingly important. With the “Overview Study HVO100” (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils) published in mid-May 2026, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Heinze, Head of the Institute Automotive Powertrain (IAP) at Saarland University of Applied Sciences (htw saar), presents a comprehensive scientific analysis that examines the potential of this paraffinic diesel fuel in detail.
According to the company, a central goal of the study is to “accelerate applied research in the field of sustainable mobility and to accompany the market launch process of HVO100“. At the same time, it is intended to make it easier for interested users to get started with alternative fuels. The study therefore comprehensively examines the production, properties, emissions and infrastructural aspects of HVO100 and thus provides a sound basis for decision-making for the classification of HVO100 in the context of the transport transition for politics, business and consumers.
Technical and ecological advantages clearly proven
The study shows that HVO100 can already make a decisive contribution to the defossilization of transport. Depending on the raw materials used, according to the study ” a considerable CO2-savings potential of currently up to 96 percent compared to fossil diesel”. At the same time, the fuel can be used in existing diesel vehicles without technical conversion – a decisive advantage for lower CO 2-new emissions. The results of the study also underline the many other advantages of HVO100:
- High cetane number (> 70) for improved combustion and smooth engine running
- Aromatics-free with positive effects on emissions and engine service life
- Reduced soot particle and air pollutant emissions
- Improved bearing stability and reduced susceptibility to maintenance
- Virtually unchanged fuel consumption
The study particularly emphasizes the importance of sustainable raw material sources. HVO100 is mainly produced from waste and residual materials such as used cooking oils or industrial by-products. In the future, new sources such as algae or jatropha oil may also be available. According to the study: “Only HVO that comes from clearly certified residual and waste materials, is managed with maximum transparency in the supply chain, meets strict environmental standards in accordance with EU regulations and has a demonstrably positive carbon footprint is an important sustainable alternative in the transport sector.” Overall, the study concludes: “In summary, HVO positions itself as a safer, less irritating and more environmentally friendly alternative to diesel fuel.”
Europe shows: Market ramp-up is possible
A look at other European countries illustrates the potential of HVO100: in countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy, HVO100 has already been in successful use for years. There are several hundred filling stations there that offer the fuel without any major infrastructural adjustments – a model that could also point the way forward for Germany. With the amendment of the 10th Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchV) in May 2024, the basis was created to offer paraffinic diesel in accordance with EN 15940 across the board in this country too. According to eFuelsNow, there are currently 670 stations in Germany with HVO100 at the pump. With HVO blends, the number of stations is almost 2,400, meaning that every sixth filling station has an HVO product on offer.
The eFuels Forum sees the results of the study as clear confirmation of the role of sustainable fuels in the energy mix of the future. In addition to electromobility, open-technology solutions are needed to achieve the climate targets in the transport sector. “HVO100 impressively demonstrates that less CO2-emissions in transport can be implemented immediately – without new vehicles and without long transition periods. With products such as KlimaDiesel HVO100, we are already bringing this solution to the market today and enabling a direct reduction in new CO₂ emissions,” says Lorenz Kiene, Managing Director of the eFuels Forum.
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About the eFuels Forum:
The eFuels Forum was founded in summer 2021 and now consists of over 50 energy companies and interest groups from all over Germany as well as the technology partner CAC Engineering GmbH. The platform aims to inform the general public about eFuels. In addition to two Germany-wide information tours, the eFuels Forum is also active at trade fairs and other events as well as on the social media platforms Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Since 2021, other partnerships have emerged from the eFuels Forum, such as eFuel GmbH and Klima Kraftstoffe GmbH. The goal of these companies is to participate in companies and initiatives to bring synthetic fuels to market.
Use of terms in connection with climate & environment:
Transparency is the key to creating trust in new technologies. And openness to technology is the key to achieving the transport transition. We attach great importance to providing interested parties with all the information they need to make informed decisions. The terms “climate-neutral” and “CO 2-neutral” are often interpreted differently. You can therefore read the definitions we use here: https://www.efuels-forum.de/volle-transparenz-zu-efuels.
