Deutz Opens First HVO Station in Cologne Factory

Cologne, Germany- DEUTZ AG., has inaugurated a cutting-edge filling station for the latest iteration of biofuels, specifically Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), at its Cologne-Porz factory site. This advancement enables refueling of all diesel-powered vehicles within DEUTZ AG with HVO, marking a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of its fleet. The fleet in Cologne encompasses various vehicles such as company cars, forklift trucks, test vehicles, service vehicles, and DEUTZ Security vehicles, along with gensets, including emergency power generators, which can also utilize this alternative fuel.

HVO, distinct from biodiesel, denotes 'hydrotreated vegetable oil' and represents a second-generation biofuel sourced from renewable raw materials like used cooking oil, animal fats, and residues from vegetable oil processing. Crucially, the production of HVO doesn't encroach upon food production, emphasizing its sustainability. With this transition, DEUTZ anticipates an immediate reduction in its fleet's environmental footprint, obviating the necessity for costly and intricate retrofitting or replacements.

Dr. Sebastian C. Schulte, CEO of DEUTZ, underscores the significance of this shift, stating, "This step will help to reduce our scope 1 emissions and brings us closer to our goal of becoming a climate-neutral company by 2050. Switching our fleet to HVO also demonstrates how diesel engines can immediately help to mitigate climate change, with minimum effort and cost." He emphasizes that the cleanliness of an internal combustion engine is contingent upon the fuel it employs, thereby accentuating the potential of this technology in combating climate change.

Dr. Markus Müller, CTO and CSO of DEUTZ, affirms that all DEUTZ engines are already sanctioned for HVO usage, with some customers already adopting this fuel for their new vehicles. He advocates for incentives to encourage emission-intensive industries, such as agriculture, to transition to alternative fuels like HVO. Müller underscores the necessity for embracing new technologies and fuels across off-highway applications to drive sustainability initiatives forward.

DEUTZ has initiated discussions with its logistics partners to extend the adoption of HVO, which would positively impact the company's scope 3 emissions. Initially sourcing the fuel from NESTE, a Finnish company renowned for its development of renewable fuels since 1996, DEUTZ underscores its commitment to palm-oil-free HVO. While currently restricted to commercial vehicles in Germany, the introduction of HVO as a public XTL fuel at filling stations is anticipated in the forthcoming months.

DEUTZ's embrace of HVO marks a pivotal moment in its environmental stewardship, exemplifying its dedication to sustainability and paving the way for broader industry adoption of alternative fuels.