Power rentals major Aggreko has confirmed its commitment to reaching net zero emissions by beginning the transition from diesel to greener fuel sources in its fuel management services. The organisation’s ongoing phase-out is part of its undertaking to cut the amount of the fossil fuel used by the organisation by 50% before 2030 and reduce local air quality emissions from its fleet by a similar figure. Specifically, Aggreko has decided to phase out offering diesel with its fuel management services, effective April this year; instead it will provide only hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO).
The move is part of the company’s ‘Greener Upgrades’ initiative, which also includes a multi-million-pound investment in new products and technologies, alongside alternative fuels.
Speaking about the switch, Chris Rason, MD Aggreko Northern Europe, said: “The need to be sustainable has long shifted from a vague preference to an absolute priority for all businesses, and this sentiment continues to be reinforced through action.
“For example, at COP26, proposals were floated to force UK firms [to say] how they will reach net zero targets set for 2050. However, despite this shift to a ‘prove it’ culture when it comes to decarbonisation, complacency and greenwashing sadly still remains at a time when organisations need to begin taking steps toward a greener future.
“It is for this reason why we have put great effort into developing efficient and sustainable technologies that can replace existing, polluting energy sources without disruption. This continued investment has allowed us to begin the transition from diesel to HVO for our fuel management systems.”
Aggreko has previously trialled HVO as a ‘drop-in’ fuel in controlled conditions using its own generator fleet and demonstrated significant emissions benefits. Further studies have shown that the fuel produces up to 90% less in greenhouse emissions, including 33% lower levels of fine particulates compared to diesel. Alongside this, 30% less hydrocarbons and up to 9% fewer nitrogen oxides are produced, and the amount of polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons produced was also reduced.
