Kohler Engines has approved the use of EN15940-compliant hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVOs) for all its diesel engines in Europe.
The manufacturer says the use of HVOs, either pure or as a blend with conventional diesel, is part of its commitment to lessen the environmental impact of its engines. The approval came after intensive laboratory and on-the-field testing by Kohler’s engineering team.
The group says its diesel engines do not require any kind of modification or specific upgrade to use HVO. However, use of exhaust gas after-treatment systems will still be necessary where already required.
HVO is a renewable paraffinic fuel also known under the names ‘synthetic diesel’ and ‘renewable diesel’. It is produced with plant or animal oils derived from the residues of the meat and fish industries.
Since it is obtained from organic material, HVO – unlike biodiesel – does not use agricultural resources or contributes to deforestation. It can be used wherever diesel fuel is used today.
Kohler says a reduction in overall CO2 emissions of up to 90% can be obtained depending on the raw material employed in HVO production. It adds that, compared to most conventional diesel fuels, HVO has an exceptionally low sulphur content and its use leads to lower vehicle exhaust emissions.
Synthetic diesel is widely available in-service stations across northern Europe and Kohler says it is taking hold as the next-generation fuel. It is 100% fossil-free and 100% recycled. HVO fuel can be distributed, handled, and stored just like any conventional fuel.
Kohler says synthetic diesel can be used – pure or blended – in any of its engines, whether liquid-cooled from the KDI and KDW lines or air-cooled from the KD line. In addition, no variations to the maintenance schedule are required and normal European warranty conditions apply.
“We are witnessing a growing interest from customers for use of synthetic fuel (HVO) and other renewable fuels,” said Luigi Arnone, director of diesel engine engineering at Kohler. “eFuels are especially interesting, not only for their positive environmental impact but also because they reach performance levels comparable to diesel fuels.
“HVO is a stable fuel that doesn’t require any engine modifications or additional maintenance.”
