From the beginning of August 2024, Graz Airport's entire diesel vehicle fleet will be fueled with the synthetic diesel fuel HVO 100, which saves up to 90 percent CO2 compared to conventional diesel. This decision follows a successful three-month test phase that confirmed the effectiveness and efficiency of the new fuel. The measure is an important part of the airport's strategy to become CO2030-neutral by 2.
Wolfgang Grimus and Jürgen Löschnig, the two managing directors of Graz Airport, agree: "The introduction of HVO 100 brings us a big step closer to the goal of becoming CO2030-neutral by 2." HVO 100 is a synthetic diesel fuel that is made from renewable raw materials such as oils and fats from waste and residues as well as vegetable oils. The switch to this fuel means a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, especially for large vehicles such as snow blowers and system tractors, for which there are currently no electromobility alternatives.
Positive test results and practical reports
Norman Gass, head of the automotive workshop at Graz Airport, explains how the decision to use HVO 100 came about: "We contacted comparable companies that already had experience with the new fuel. In personal discussions on site, we were finally able to convince ourselves of the ease of introducing HVO 100." The impetus for the trial operation came from the airport's employees, who have been closely and critically monitoring developments in this sector.
Flughafen Graz Betriebs GmbH operates a total of around 165 vehicles, 26% of which are electric. Six vehicles are hybrids, while the rest have previously been diesel-powered. From now on, around 110 of these vehicles will be fueled with HVO 100, which will result in CO2 savings of more than 210 tons per year.
What is HVO 100?
HVO 100, which stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, is a diesel fuel made from 100% renewable raw materials. HVO 100 has numerous environmental benefits:
- Reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90%
- Reduces fine dust emissions by approx. 33%
- Reduces carbon monoxide (CO) emissions by approximately 24%
- Reduces nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) by approx. 9%
These advantages make HVO 100 an attractive option for companies that want to improve their carbon footprint without having to forego powerful diesel engines.
Support through innovative technologies
The introduction of HVO 100 at Graz Airport shows that sustainable technologies and renewable energy will play a key role in the future of mobility. By using HVO 100, Graz Airport can not only achieve its own environmental goals, but also set an example for other airports and companies that want to take similar steps towards sustainability.
Despite the slightly higher costs of HVO 100 compared to conventional diesel, the ecological benefits clearly outweigh the disadvantages, according to the airport's managing directors. This shows that investments in environmentally friendly technologies can be both ecologically and economically beneficial in the long term. Graz Airport plans to use these positive experiences to take further steps towards sustainability and continue to find innovative solutions to reduce its environmental impact.
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