The availability of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a fossil-free diesel fuel, is rapidly increasing across Central and Southern Europe, complementing its already widespread use in Northern Europe. This expansion marks a significant step towards more sustainable refrigerated truck and trailer operations, offering companies a viable alternative to traditional diesel.
HVO, also known under the brand name XTL, has been approved by Thermo King — a global leader in transport temperature control solutions and a brand of Trane Technologies—since 2021. This approval allows Thermo King customers to power their truck and trailer refrigeration units with HVO, offering substantial environmental benefits.
The environmental impact of using HVO fuel is profound. It enables up to a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter pollution compared to conventional diesel, without compromising engine performance. This biodegradable fuel can be used as a direct replacement or blended with regular diesel, requiring no modifications to the unit’s engine or additional maintenance.
With the increased availability of HVO across Europe, more Thermo King customers can now adopt this sustainable fuel, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of their fleets. Many customers have already transitioned to using HVO in their truck and trailer operations, benefiting from the fuel’s superior environmental profile.
In addition to its use by customers, Thermo King has been testing all large truck and trailer units with diesel engines using HVO at its Galway, Ireland manufacturing plant since 2021. This initiative has further contributed to reducing the plant’s carbon emissions, aligning with the company’s broader sustainability goals.
Thermo King’s commitment to sustainability is part of Trane Technologies’ industry-leading efforts to decarbonise buildings, industry, and the cold chain. These efforts are in line with the company’s 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including the ambitious Gigaton Challenge, and its pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Notably, Trane Technologies was the first company in its industry to have its near- and long-term emissions reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
As HVO fuel becomes more accessible across Europe, it represents a critical opportunity for companies in the refrigerated transport sector to enhance the sustainability of their operations, contributing to a greener and more responsible future.
