Fuel retailer Maxol has announced the introduction of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a second-generation biofuel, to selected forecourts on the island of Ireland.
Produced from renewable feedstocks, including non-food grade vegetable oils, used cooking oils, and residue fat fractions, Maxol hvoPRO reduces carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to regular diesel.
Eight Maxol sites now offer the more eco-friendly, low carbon emissions fuel.
They are located at the M3 Mulhuddart and Turvey in Co Dublin, Coolshannagh in Monaghan and in Northern Ireland - Mallusk, Townparks in Antrim, Eglinton in Derry, Ballymore in West Belfast and Tannaghmore on the A26 from Antrim to Ballymena.
Additional sites will be added later this year.
Maxol hvoPRO is produced through a hydro-treating process, similar to the production of regular biodiesel.
But unlike traditional biodiesel, HVO undergoes a hydrogenation process, which significantly improves its quality and performance characteristics. No engine modifications are required and Maxol hvoPRO is compatible with most newer diesel engine vehicles.
Maxol is aiming to have 30% of its fleet running on Maxol hvoPRO by the end of May, with plans to increase that to 50% by early 2025.
The company said this aligns with its mission to reduce its carbon footprint across various aspects of the business.
Brian Donaldson, CEO of The Maxol Group, said that Maxol hvoPRO underlines the company's commitment to customer choice and is a key element of its strategy to be a leading provider of greener fuels in Ireland.
"We are hugely focused on mobility innovation, and this includes providing lower emission fuels and EV charging solutions for our private motorists, fleet and Fuel Card customers," he added.
