Clean fuel option with Komatsu

Komatsu says that the company has made a decision to switch to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as factory-fill fuel for Komatsu equipment produced in Europe.
August 1, 2023 Read time: 2 mins
Komatsu machines can now run on HVO fuels

This is in line with Komatsu’s long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Komatsu is commencing this switch at its Komatsu Germany, Construction Division (KGC) plant in Hannover, Germany, and at the Komatsu UK plant in Birtley, England, with other Komatsu Europe plants to follow.

The combustion engines in Komatsu machines can be operated with HVO with no modifications required. The switch to this renewable, paraffinic fuel as a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel fuel is a major step that Komatsu is taking towards reducing its environmental impact. It shows that the company's machines can run on a cleaner and more sustainable fuel, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improving air quality.

HVO is produced from renewable raw material such as cooking oil and animal fats wastes. It is a simple drop-in replacement for fossil diesel, but with high cetane, no oxygen and no aromatics. It can lower the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by Komatsu equipment by up to 90%, if the machine is fuelled with Neste MY Renewable Diesel (= HVO 100) from Neste, one of Komatsu’s main suppliers of HVO.

"HVO not only grants lower emissions during operation by superior chemical composition. said Ingo Büscher, managing director of KGC. “Komatsu’s HVO first fill product (Neste MY Renewable Diesel) is mainly made of waste material limiting consumption renewable resources such as vegetable oils." He added: "We are committed to support our customers in achieving their long-term sustainability goals as a one team approach. We believe that HVO is an effective and economical option to both reduce emissions and save limited resources.”

Komatsu’s switch to HVO factory-fill fuel is just one of the many steps that the company is taking towards sustainability, along with the research and development of new technologies and solutions such as electric and hydrogen-powered machines, to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and achieve its zero-emission goal. 

For more information on companies in this article

Komatsu

Related Content

  • London borough trials reduced carbon asphalt
    December 10, 2024

    Redbridge is the first borough in London to trial a new asphalt mix that can reduce the carbon footprint in road resurfacing works. The project has been led by Redbridge Council, in partnership with Kensons Highways, using the asphalt for road resurfacing at Lodge Hill, in Ilford.

    The asphalt mix, supplied by Tarmac, lowered the carbon footprint from road resurfacing by incorporating a carbon negative product into the mix, called ACLA. Results showed that using ACLA, Tarmac’s asphalt reduced the project’s carbon footprint by 68%.

    Read More
  • WheelRight’s John Catling says put the brakes on under-inflation
    September 30, 2016
    It’s official – Britain’s tyres are unloved and under-inflated, according to recent research. But WheelRight’s chief executive, John Catling, believes that the research results are indicative of a global problem.
    Read More
  • Advances in asphalt paving equipment coming to market
    June 27, 2018
    Some of the key manufacturers are improving asphalt paving technology with key developments to machines as well as the electronics and telematics systems fitted – Mike Woof writes. Several of the major asphalt paver manufacturers have unveiled new machines and systems that can optimise operations. Improved operating features for the BOMAG BF 800 C-2 paver are said to help increase its output and efficiency when working on-site. An important development is the new traffic light system, which helps improve co
    Read More
  • Caterpillar’s new C13D diesel offers high output and is designed to use future fuels
    March 15, 2023
    Caterpillar claims that its new C13D diesel offers the highest power density for its class, replacing the previous C13B engine. Because of its high power output, the new C13D unit will be able to replace the firm’s own 15litre engine and even the 18litre diesel for some installations.
    Read More

Highlighted Content