Raben Transport moves into Europe using HVO100 biofuel

Raben Transport was the first company in Raben Group in Poland to set a target of 10% of its fleet using alternative fuels by 2025. With this in mind, since February this year it has been testing HVO100, a biofuel made from renewable raw materials with a very high potential for reducing CO2 emissions. Raben trucks powered by this fuel are already on the roads of several European countries, and there is a chance that the scale of its use will increase further thanks to increased availability.

Share of vehicles powered by alternative fuels in the fleet at 10% in 2025, going up to 75% in the next five years - Raben Transport has truly ambitious plans to reduce its carbon footprint. They are intended to support Raben Group-wide commitment to reduce the logistics operator's emissions intensity from transport activities by 10% by the middle of this decade and Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 38.7% (SBTi target) by 2030 against 2020 values. 

In search of a solution that would deliver fast and measurable results, the company turned to HVO100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). It is touted by experts as one of the two 'green' and most low-carbon, yet scalable tools - alongside renewable electricity - that can play the biggest role in decarbonisation. Raben Group started testing this fuel in the second half of 2023 in the Netherlands, and the positive results led to the decision to use it in other markets - Germany and Austria. Raben Transport has been testing HVO100 since February 2024, with two tractor units operating on international routes taking part in the pilot project. Currently, around 5% of Raben Group's own fleet uses this biofuel, and the percentage is steadily growing.

- HVO100 is a low-emission fuel that can reduce CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere by up to 90%. It is an excellent substitute for traditional diesel recommended by leading truck manufacturers for use in traditional diesel engines - emphasises Joanna Górna, Key Account Manager at Raben Transport. - Its price is approx. 15-30% higher than the price of diesel. However, taking into account the environmental aspect and the reduction potential, its use is advantageous and, in the near term, beneficial for the climate. It is certainly a cost worth bearing.

Among the advantages of HVO100 is that it contributes to reducing emissions without the need for additional investments: fleet replacement by carriers, vehicle modifications or building special refuelling infrastructure. However, its large-scale use faces barriers - so far it is only available in some European countries. However, there is a chance that a package of regulations will come into force in Poland by the end of 2024, which will provide a complete legal framework for the production and marketing of this biofuel.

- Refuelling of HVO100 at petrol stations takes place using traditional fuel cards, which simplifies the whole process. At the same time, it requires us to implement internal procedures and great care to monitor the environmental impact of the biofuel and the level of emissions in a reliable manner - explains Joanna Górna. 

It is worth mentioning that the use of HVO100 is not the only way Raben Group is moving towards reducing emissions in transport. Electric vehicles are being tested in urban traffic, while a joint project with Volvo Trucks and Ikea Industry has been underway since autumn 2022, with three renewable energy-powered e-trucks regularly running between the furniture manufacturer's two factories. In addition, the logistics operator promotes intermodal solutions using rail, where they are possible and beneficial in business terms.