The Royal Air Force has moved another step in its efforts to lower its environmental impact by testing the suitability of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as fuel for its operational vehicle fleets as well as for deployable field kitchens.
HVO is a next generation low-carbon diesel that significantly reduces the harmful gases and CO2 that internal combustion engines emit, ensuring up to 90% CO2 reduction. HVO Renewable Diesel is made of 100% renewable raw materials, cutting down emissions of new carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Unlike biofuels, HVO is manufactured by a synthesised process with hydrogen to create a greener, renewable fuel.
The 5-month trial, named Project ESTER, was conducted at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire, main base of the RAF’s Support Force. HVO was used to power 5 vehicles belonging to the 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron, the unit tasked with road transfers of munitions, spares and stores in support of RAF operations.
HVO was also used with the Operational Field Catering System used by the 3 Mobile Catering Squadron. The trial also involved fuel specialists from 1 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron (1 ELS). HVO had earlier been tested to fuel boilers in home bases, specifically at RAF Leeming. The RAF has a series of ongoing initiatives which include replacing its “white fleet” (civilian vehicle types used within the UK and, where applicable, abroad) with hybrid or fully electric types. Trials are ongoing to verify the suitability of hydrogen for larger air-side vehicles.
For its aircraft, the Royal Air Force now routinely employs Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), following the success of a period of tests which culminated in the first SAF air to air refuelling in 2023. Unblended, or "neat" SAF, which contains no fossil fuels, can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 84% compared to conventional jet fuel, offering significant potential for emission reduction in aviation over the next 30 years.
At present, however, air platforms are cleared to operate on a 50-50 blend with conventional fossil fuels. After initial trials with TYPHOON and VOYAGER, in 2024 Boeing gave clearance for the 50-50 blend for all its aircraft as well (which for the RAF means C-17, P-8 POSEIDON and E-7 WEDGETAIL as well as the CHINOOK helicopters).
In the summer of 2024, the RAF cleared all of its aircraft types for the 50% SAF blend.
Through projects MONET and TELUM, the RAF is also working towards adoption of an electric powered propelled trainer aircraft as replacement for the Grob 115 TUTOR used for early pilot grading and air experience flights.
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