Royal Air Force trials alternative fuels – trialled the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil to support current capabilities – UK
The trial, which was called Project ESTER and took place at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire, was conducted by squadrons of the RAF’s Support Force.
Five vehicles from 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron used hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as fuel for a five-month period, whilst 3 Mobile Catering Squadron also used the opportunity to trial HVO with the Operational Field Catering System. As ground fuel specialists, 1 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron (1ELS) also assisted with the trial.
HVO is the next generation low-carbon diesel that significantly reduces the harmful gases and CO2 that internal combustion engines emit with up to 90% CO2 reduction. HVO Renewable Diesel is a premium hydrocarbon-based fuel product made of 100% renewable raw materials, which does not release any new carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Unlike biofuels, HVO is manufactured by a synthesised process with hydrogen to create a greener, renewable fuel.
Wing Commander Micklewright, Support Force said:
We’ve gained some valuable data on the HVO fuel, and taken the opportunity to test different ways of working, including testing whether the HVO could be used in the cooking sets of 3 Mobile Catering Squadron.
“We’re delighted to have been able to work closely with HQ Air Command, Defence Equipment and Support and the Operational Energy Authority, not to mention our commercial vehicle providers at Babcock, to make this happen.”
Group Captain Dixon, Assistant Head Air Command Climate Change & Sustainabilit, said:
Project ESTER has provided our logistics team and vehicle operators and refuelers with valuable experience of using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil in our normal truck fleets, building confidence in the use of a true drop-in alternative fuel source.
“As we decarbonise our truck fleets, it has provided confidence that a transition to HVO/biodiesel, when more affordable, will lessen our reliance on global fossil fuel supply chains without detrimental impact on our operational output. Project ESTER is a great example providing evidence that enhances our fuel resilience whilst also driving towards our Net Zero and transport decarbonisation goals and legislative remits: a decarbonisation and operational flexibility advantage win-win scenario.”
Wing Commander Nikki Duncan, Station Commander, RAF Wittering said:
RAF Wittering is proud to support the RAF’s drive toward Net zero.
“Through collaborative trials using alternative fuels, such as HVO, we are playing our part in the bid to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining operational excellence. Our teams’ expertise and facilities have proven invaluable in advancing these important initiatives, and I’m pleased that RAF Wittering continues to contribute to the RAF’s environmental commitments.”
This trial was a collaborative partnership between RAF Wittering, Support Force, Fuels Role Office, ASTRA, Babcock – Phoenix 2, Western Global, Operational Energy Authority and World Fuels Services.
Royal Air Force trials alternative fuels – trialled the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil to support current capabilities – UK, source
