Aggreko has made further progress in reaching net zero emissions by transitioning from diesel to greener fuel sources
Aggreko has pledged to cut its fossil fuel usage by 50% before 2030 and reduce its local air quality emissions by a similar rate.
The organisation intends to phase out offering diesel with its fuel management services from April and instead provide hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
Aggreko has previously trialled HVO as a ‘drop-in’ fuel using its own generator fleet and demonstrated significant benefits.
Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO)
HVO produces up to 90% less greenhouse emissions, including 33% lower levels of fine particulates compared to diesel, alongside, 30% less hydrocarbons and up to 9% fewer nitrogen oxides. The amount of polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons produced was also reduced.
The move is part of its ‘Greener Upgrades’ initiative, which includes a multi-million-pound investment in new products and technologies, alongside alternative fuels.
Chris Rason, managing director Aggreko Northern Europe, said: “The need to be sustainable has long shifted from a vague preference to an absolute priority for all businesses, and this sentiment continues to be reinforced through action.
“For example, at COP26, proposals have been floated to force UK firms how they will reach net zero targets set for 2050.
“However, despite this shift to a ‘prove it’ culture when it comes to decarbonisation, complacency and greenwashing sadly still remains at a time when organisations need to begin taking steps toward a greener future.
‘Efficient and sustainable technologies’
“It is for this reason why we have put great effort into developing efficient and sustainable technologies that can replace existing, polluting energy sources without disruption.
“This continued investment has allowed us to begin the transition from diesel to HVO for our fuel management systems, passing decarbonisation gains onto our customers while maintaining or improving equipment performance.
Transition to net zero
“It cannot be doubted that the transition to net zero will be difficult for all organisations, regardless of their place in the supply chain, and there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution.
“However, this does not mean that businesses can stand still – far from it, in fact.
“By identifying areas in which pragmatic choices may be made for quick and effective sustainability gains, organisations can reduce the size of the challenge ahead.
“Opting for greener fuels is an excellent example of this, which is yet another reason why we have made this choice to transition our fuel management services onto HVO.”
