HVO Fuel EN15940 Standard Explained

As the United Kingdom accelerates toward its net-zero ambitions, businesses and consumers alike are searching for cleaner, practical alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Among the most talked-about solutions is HVO fuel, often described as a “drop-in” diesel replacement with significantly lower carbon emissions. Yet, one term frequently appears alongside HVO and causes confusion: EN15940.

So, what exactly does the HVO fuel**** EN15940 standard mean, and why is it so important for the UK audience? This article breaks it down in plain language, drawing on years of industry understanding, while offering a uniquely British perspective on regulations, vehicle compatibility, and real-world use.

What Is HVO Fuel?

HVO stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil. Despite the name, it is not limited to vegetable oils alone. HVO is produced by hydrotreating renewable waste-based feedstocks such as used cooking oil, animal fats, and other certified sustainable residues. Through a refining process using hydrogen, these raw materials are transformed into a high-quality paraffinic diesel fuel.

Unlike traditional biodiesel (FAME), HVO is chemically similar to fossil diesel but cleaner, more stable, and far more consistent in quality. This is where the EN15940 standard becomes essential.

Understanding the EN15940 Standard

EN15940 is a European fuel quality standard that applies to paraffinic diesel fuels, including HVO. In simple terms, it defines what counts as a high-quality, safe, and engine-compatible paraffinic diesel fuel.

In the UK, EN15940 ensures that HVO fuel:

• Meets strict performance criteria
• Is suitable for modern diesel engines
• Delivers predictable combustion and emissions behaviour
• Can be used without compromising engine reliability when approved by manufacturers

This standard is not about sustainability claims or carbon accounting; it focuses purely on fuel quality and performance.

Why EN15940 Matters in the UK

The UK fuel market is heavily regulated, and rightly so. From road transport and construction to agriculture and backup power generation, fuel reliability is non-negotiable. EN15940 gives fleet operators, local authorities, and private users confidence that HVO will perform consistently across British operating conditions—from cold winter mornings in Scotland to year-round commercial use in London and the South East.

For many UK businesses, adopting HVO is a strategic decision rather than an experimental one. EN15940 provides the technical reassurance that switching fuels will not disrupt operations.

Key Technical Characteristics of EN15940 HVO Fuel

1. High Cetane Number

HVO fuel compliant with EN15940 typically has a cetane number well above conventional diesel. This means:

• Faster ignition
• Smoother engine operation
• Reduced engine noise
• Improved cold-start performance

These qualities are particularly valuable in the UK, where cold starts and short urban journeys are common.

2. Excellent Cold Flow Properties

EN15940 sets clear limits for cold weather performance. HVO can be tailored to perform reliably in low temperatures, reducing the risk of fuel gelling during winter—a major advantage over traditional diesel and some biodiesel blends.

3. Clean Burning Fuel

HVO contains:

• No sulphur
• No aromatics
• No oxygen compounds (unlike FAME)

This leads to:

• Lower particulate emissions
• Reduced nitrogen oxide output in many applications
• Cleaner engines with fewer deposits

EN15940 vs Standard Diesel (EN590)

In the UK, standard pump diesel must meet EN590. While EN590 allows for a small percentage of biodiesel (FAME), EN15940 fuels like HVO are entirely paraffinic and chemically different.

Key differences include:

• EN590 is fossil-based with bio-content blended in
• EN15940 fuels are fully synthetic or renewable paraffinic fuels
• HVO has superior storage stability compared to EN590 diesel
• EN15940 fuels are often used where fuel is stored long-term, such as generators and emergency systems

Vehicle and Engine Compatibility in the UK

One of the most common questions from UK users is: Can I use EN15940 HVO in my vehicle?

The answer depends on manufacturer approval, not the fuel standard alone. Many major engine and vehicle manufacturers operating in the UK now approve EN15940 HVO fuel for use in their diesel engines, including:

• Heavy goods vehicles
• Buses and coaches
• Construction and agricultural machinery
• Stationary generators

For company fleets, it is standard practice to confirm approval with the engine manufacturer or dealer. The EN15940 standard itself ensures that, when approved, the fuel will behave predictably and safely.

Storage and Handling Benefits Under EN15940

From a UK operational standpoint, fuel storage is often overlooked. HVO compliant with EN15940 offers clear advantages:

• Longer shelf life than conventional diesel
• Resistance to microbial growth
• Reduced risk of oxidation
• Cleaner fuel tanks and filters

These benefits are particularly attractive for sectors such as healthcare, data centres, and local councils that rely on backup generators and seasonal equipment.

The Role of EN15940 in the UK Energy Transition

While EN15940 is not a climate policy, it plays a quiet but crucial role in the UK’s energy transition. It allows renewable fuels like HVO to be introduced without infrastructure changes, enabling immediate emissions reductions using existing diesel engines.

For organisations under pressure to decarbonise but unable to electrify fully, EN15940-compliant HVO acts as a practical bridge—reducing emissions now, rather than waiting years for new technology.

Common Misunderstandings About EN15940 HVO

Despite its growing use in the UK, several myths persist:

• “It’s just biodiesel” – It is not. HVO is chemically distinct and far more refined.
• “It requires engine modifications” – In approved engines, it does not.
• “It’s experimental” – EN15940 is a formal, well-established fuel standard.

Clarity around the EN15940 specification helps cut through this confusion and builds trust in HVO adoption.

Final Thoughts

The HVO fuel EN15940 standard is more than a technical label—it is the backbone of confidence for UK users exploring cleaner diesel alternatives. By guaranteeing fuel quality, performance, and consistency, EN15940 enables HVO to integrate seamlessly into existing diesel systems across the country.

For the United Kingdom, where regulatory compliance, reliability, and sustainability must go hand in hand, EN15940 provides the assurance that HVO is not just a greener option, but a professional, dependable one.

As the UK continues its journey toward lower-carbon energy, understanding standards like EN15940 empowers businesses and individuals to make informed, future-ready fuel choices—without compromising performance today.