Decarbonisation Guide - Renewable Fuels
Why Renewable Fuels?
The transition to zero-emission freight is underway, but many fleet operators face practical challenges including vehicle availability, charging infrastructure, grid capacity, depot ownership and investment costs.
Renewable fuels can help bridge the gap.
They provide an opportunity to achieve meaningful greenhouse gas reductions from existing vehicles while preparing for longer-term fleet decarbonisation strategies. Renewable fuels are already supporting businesses, logistics operators and public sector organisations across the UK to cut emissions without waiting for large-scale infrastructure changes. Moving to Zero - HGV Decarbonisation Guide - Renewable Fuels
There is no single route to decarbonising HGV operations. Different technologies will suit different fleets, duty cycles and operational requirements. Renewable fuels are one of the most effective options available today.
Key Facts
15%
Heavy duty vehicles account for almost 15% of road transport greenhouse gas emissions in Wales.
Up to 86%
Renewable diesel (HVO) can deliver lifecycle greenhouse gas savings of up to 86% compared with conventional diesel.
Up to 85%
Biomethane can achieve greenhouse gas savings of up to 85%, depending on feedstock and production pathway.
8,381 ktCO₂e
Potential cumulative emissions savings from increased renewable fuel uptake and greater adoption of zero-emission vehicles through to 2050.
Renewable Fuel Options
Biodiesel (FAME)
Lower Carbon Fuel for Existing Fleets
Biodiesel is produced from sustainable feedstocks such as used cooking oil and food waste and can be supplied as blends including B20, B30 and B100.
For many operators, biodiesel provides an accessible route to reducing emissions without major changes to operations.
Benefits
Available for use in existing diesel vehicles
Can utilise existing depot fuel infrastructure
Potential fuel cost benefits depending on supply arrangements
Proven deployment across commercial fleets
Typical Carbon Savings
Fuel | Greenhouse Gas Savings |
|---|
B20 | 12-16% |
B30 | 20-23% |
B100 | Around 81% |
Ideal For
Regional and depot-based fleets using back-to-base refuelling strategies.
Renewable Diesel (HVO)
The Simplest Route to Immediate Emissions Reduction
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a renewable diesel produced from waste oils and fats. It is considered a "drop-in" fuel, meaning it can be used in compatible diesel vehicles without modifications.
This makes HVO one of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce fleet emissions.
Benefits
No vehicle modifications required
No additional maintenance requirements
Existing fuel infrastructure can often be used
Vehicles can switch between diesel and HVO when necessary
Growing UK refuelling network
Typical Carbon Savings
81-86% lifecycle greenhouse gas reductions compared with standard diesel.
Ideal For
Operators seeking fast deployment, minimal operational disruption and immediate carbon savings.
Biomethane
A Proven Solution for High-Mileage Operations
Biomethane is produced from organic waste through anaerobic digestion and is supplied as compressed biomethane (Bio-CNG) or liquefied biomethane (Bio-LNG).
The technology has gained significant traction among major logistics operators and is particularly effective in intensive transport applications.
Benefits
High greenhouse gas reductions
Lower fuel costs per mile than diesel
Growing UK refuelling network
Well suited to long-distance operations
Typical Carbon Savings
Fuel | Greenhouse Gas Savings |
|---|
Bio-CNG | 78-83% |
Bio-LNG | 72-85% |
Ideal For
High-mileage freight fleets operating dedicated gas-powered vehicles.
Greenergy Flexigrid
Greenergy Flexigrid operates more than 250 HGVs across the UK and adopted B20 biodiesel as a practical decarbonisation solution.
During a nine-month period in 2025, the company achieved:
Average fleet emissions reduction of 13%
Total savings of 609 tonnes CO₂e
No negative impact on vehicle performance or operational reliability
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service
To support its net zero ambitions, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service selected HVO as the most practical solution for decarbonising its frontline operational fleet.
The organisation found HVO provided:
Minimal operational compromise
Compatibility with existing diesel vehicles
Significant emissions reduction potential
Reliable performance across demanding operational requirements
Gregory Group
One of the UK's largest logistics providers, Gregory Group has adopted a multi-fuel approach incorporating:
The organisation has achieved an estimated 20% reduction in Scope 1 emissions compared with its 2021/22 baseline and sees renewable fuels as a critical component of its transition strategy.
Why Fuel Assurance Matters
Confidence in Sustainability Claims
Choosing renewable fuels is only part of the story. Understanding where fuel comes from and validating its environmental benefits is equally important.
The Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS) provides independent verification of:
Lifecycle greenhouse gas savings
Feedstock sustainability
Supply chain traceability
Renewable fuel provenance
As of Q2 2026, 59 companies were approved under RFAS, supplying renewable fuels across the UK market.
For fleet operators, RFAS helps provide confidence that renewable fuel claims are independently verified and can support corporate carbon reporting, procurement requirements and ESG disclosures.
Start Your Decarbonisation Journey Today
Renewable fuels are already helping organisations reduce emissions from heavy duty vehicles across Wales and the wider UK.
Whether you're assessing biodiesel, HVO or biomethane, understanding the opportunities, limitations and operational considerations is essential for making informed fleet decisions.
Download the full Renewable Fuels Best Practice Guide to explore detailed technical information, case studies and practical implementation advice.
[DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE]
Produced by Zemo Partnership as part of the Moving to Zero | Symud i Sero programme, supporting fleet operators on the journey to lower-emission commercial transport.