Diesel from vegetable oil allowed as pure fuel from May

In the future, motorists will also be able to refuel with diesel that is 100 percent made from waste materials such as used frying fat. To this end, the federal cabinet cleared the way on Wednesday. Previously, the Bundesrat had approved the corresponding regulation. As early as May, so-called paraffinic diesel fuels, which consist of waste materials and vegetable oils, are to be approved as pure fuels.

Eco-Diesel Soon Available in 100 Percent Concentration

Until now, this type of fuel could only be used when it was mixed with regular diesel fuel. According to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, the approved mixing ratio was 26 percent. With the new regulation coming into force, eco-diesel can now also be offered in 100 percent concentration. The Federal Ministry for the Environment points out that HVO eco-diesel, which the new regulation concerns, has so far only been blended at about two percent, "although technically and legally more would be possible," it says.

HVO stands for "hydrotreated vegetable oil." According to the information, paraffinic diesel fuels made from fossil materials such as natural gas can also be filled up 100 percent in addition to HVO diesel. This has not been the case so far. The previously possible blending of biofuel should remain for both types of fuels. The benefits and opportunities of the fuel are assessed differently by the Green-led Environment Ministry and the FDP-led Transport Ministry.

HVO fuel not fundamentally sustainable

Transport Minister Volker Wissing called the release of HVO 100 a "significant step towards more climate protection in transport."

The fuel is said to be particularly high-quality and sustainable. HVO produced from waste and residual materials can reduce CO2 emissions by more than 90 percent compared to fossil diesel, said the FDP politician. "The fuel has proven itself in practice, is available on an industrial scale, and is fundamentally suitable for modern diesel engines." HVO 100 can make an effective contribution to reducing emissions in the existing fleet.

However, the Federal Ministry for the Environment argues that HVO fuel is not fundamentally sustainable.

"Only when sustainable raw materials are used in production is HVO truly sustainable," it says.

For example, the fuel can also be made from palm oil, which, according to the Environment Ministry, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and significant biodiversity loss. It is also hardly possible to retrospectively verify the raw materials used in the production of the fuels. Therefore, drivers at the pump cannot know whether they are fueling with sustainable fuel or not.