Independent fuel distributor Certas Energy has launched one of the UK’s first dedicated hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) bunkers at Tyseley Energy Park in Birmingham.
The bunker represents the firm’s “significant investment” in new tanks and equipment, it said, and demonstrates “a scalable model for HVO-only refuelling infrastructure”.
Certas Energy said the investment in a HVO-only bunker reflects both market readiness and local need, as 65% of larger HGV fleets with over 100 vehicles are either using or plan to use low-carbon fuels within the next five years, according to the RHA.
It will contribute to Birmingham’s target of a 60% reduction in total CO₂ emissions by 2027, offering hauliers a solution with direct access to a renewable, low-carbon alternative to diesel. The city declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has committed to the target of becoming net zero carbon by 2030 through clean air zone charges and driver incentives.
The Tyseley bunker, which is now open for fleet operators, represents the latest addition to Certas Energy’s expanding national network of more than 15 sites supplying HVO at the pump. Over the past year, it has supplied 3.2 million litres of HVO to fuel more than 30,000 HGVs across the UK.
Certas Energy has also recently supported a successful HVO trial at DP World, where four hauliers tested both at-the-pump and bulk-delivered refuelling methods. The trial demonstrated that HVO integrates seamlessly into existing fleet operations, offering immediate carbon savings without the need for vehicle modifications, it claimed.
Certas Energy customers can access the bunker using their Certas Energy Fuel Card and through the FuelTapp digital platform.
Andrew Goodwin, Head of Fuel Cards at Certas Energy, said:
“To support the industry in meeting net zero targets, the use of reliable drop-in biofuels like HVO are essential as a medium-term solution, helping to cut carbon emissions by up to 90%.6”
“For example, the adoption of HVO in local authority refuse vehicles and the nearby container railhead present an opportunity to establish an additional HVO supply location and strengthen decarbonisation achievements.
“By investing in the Tyseley Bunker, we’re not just opening a new site, we’re providing a blueprint that can be replicated across the UK’s freight corridors.”
Image courtesy of Certas Energy
