How Is the RAF Powering Defence with Renewable Fuel?

In the UK, both the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Dorset Council show that Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a practical solution, delivering up to 90% carbon savings while using existing diesel engines and infrastructure.

HVO, a renewable diesel made from vegetable fats and oils, has been shown to be a usable and immediate decarbonisation option.

Without the need for engine upgrades or new fuelling systems, this drop-in replacement is already being put to work in both military and public sector settings, offering both environmental and strategic benefits.

Proven performance in defence and public fleets

The RAF’s HVO trial at its Wittering base in Cambridgeshire is a first for the military sector. 

Carried out over five months, it involved multiple units including the Mechanical Transport Squadron, Mobile Catering Squadron and Expeditionary Logistics Squadron.

These teams used HVO in operational vehicles with no engine alterations required.

This follows earlier efforts at RAF Leeming, where HVO was successfully used in boiler systems, expanding the fuel’s potential use cases across various equipment types.

Now, the public sector is embracing HVO too.

Dorset Council has committed to converting its entire heavy vehicle fleet, including waste and highways services, to HVO.

The council expects carbon emission reductions of up to 90%, making it one of the first local authorities in the UK to adopt the fuel at this scale.

“The RAF and Dorset Council successes show HVO is ready to drive real change in logistics decarbonisation,” says Bjorn Breckx, CFP Energy Director.

“The success clearly illustrates that HVO is not just a viable fuel alternative; it’s truly a ‘drop-in’ replacement for traditional diesel. 

“This is especially important for sectors like logistics, where companies like FedEx can easily switch to this cleaner-burning fuel without the burden of costly engine modifications. 

“This user-friendly transition removes both financial and operational obstacles, making HVO a logical and sustainable option for large fuel users providers eager to lessen their environmental impact.”

Why HVO stands out

Unlike electrification or hydrogen alternatives, which often require long lead times and new infrastructure, HVO offers immediate benefits.

It is manufactured through hydrogenation, a chemical process that removes sulphur, oxygen and aromatics from renewable raw materials such as vegetable oil.

This creates a fuel that not only burns cleaner but also performs well in existing diesel engines.

HVO also lowers particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions, contributing to air quality improvements.

Its chemical consistency allows it to meet strict performance standards without additional investment in fuelling infrastructure.

Compared with fossil diesel, HVO offers up to 90% lifecycle carbon savings.

Because of its compatibility with current engine technology, HVO represents a rare opportunity: instant emissions reduction without the usual complications.

Strategic benefits and wider adoption

With military emissions contributing 5.5% to global totals and only two of 30 NATO members on a net zero trajectory, low-carbon fuels carry strategic weight.

Reducing reliance on fossil fuels improves energy security and can simplify logistics during operations and conflict.

“The emissions created by conflict are astronomical but they could be rapidly reduced, especially when it comes to sustainable aviation fuel and HVO,” comments Bjorn.

CFP Energy is calling for stronger partnerships across supply chains to scale HVO usage.

This includes collaboration with regulators, support through updated policy mechanisms and clear sustainability standards for raw materials.

The UK’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) and the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) offer some guidance, but the industry argues they are not yet strong enough to support widespread adoption.

“If we want renewable fuels like HVO to become mainstream, policies need to evolve,” says Bjorn.

“We need stronger mandates, increased subsidies and tighter sustainability standards for feedstocks.”

CFP Energy works with public and private clients to integrate sustainable fuel into operations.

It supplies verified data on emissions savings and manages secure HVO supply chains to fit varying needs.

“CFP Energy actively collaborates with large-scale public and private organisations to tailor sustainable fuel solutions that meet specific operational requirements… helping organisations navigate the complexities of fuel choice, cost analysis and environmental impact assessment,” explains Bjorn.

Meanwhile, the RAF is going further.

As part of its net zero strategy by 2040, it has incorporated Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) into aircraft like the Typhoon and Poseidon based at RAF Lossiemouth.

These fuels cut emissions by up to 80% and fit within wider infrastructure changes that include electric vehicles and synthetic fuels created from air, water and solar energy.

Projects like MARTIN and VITAL aim to enhance operational resilience and reduce dependency on fossil fuel supply chains.

These initiatives also support interoperability across NATO forces, reinforcing shared sustainability goals.

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