Komatsu to switch to HVO as factory-fill fuel

21 April 2023

Komatsu and its wholly owned subsidiary Komatsu Europe International has announced that the company is switching to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as factory-fill fuel for equipment produced in Europe.

Komatsu to switch to HVO Filling a Komatsu machine with HVO at the company’s Hannover plant in Germany. (Photo: Komatsu)

The move, which is line with Komatsu’s long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and starts this month at plants in Hannover, Germany, and Birtley, United Kingdom.

Komatsu said the combustion engines in its machines – including those produced for the construction and demolition industries – can be operated with HVO, with no modifications required, and described the swich as a major step towards reducing its environmental impact.

HVO is produced from renewable raw material such as cooking oil and animal fats wastes. It is a simple drop-in replacement for fossil diesel, but with high cetane, no oxygen and no aromatics.

Its introduction at Komatsu is part of a sustainability programme that also includes research and development of new technologies and solutions such as electric and hydrogen-powered machines.

Demolition contractors’ body sets timetable for low-emission fuel switch UK NFDC expects members to use hydrotreated vegetable oil fuel or similar on sites by end of 2022
HVO has ‘won us jobs’, says UK demolition contractor Rye Group secured three contracts with sustainable housebuilder and plans ‘carbon audit’ in 2022
CONNECT WITH THE TEAM
Leila Steed Editor, Demolition & Recycling International Tel: +44(0) 1892 786 261 E-mail: [email protected]
Peter Collinson International Sales Manager Tel: +44 (0) 1892 786220 E-mail: [email protected]
CONNECT WITH SOCIAL MEDIA