Gasum Compares Cleaner Fuels for Heavy-Duty Transport: LBG, HVO, Hydrogen, and Electricity

The European Union and customers in the transport sector are pushing for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) are a key focus area, with a goal to reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

Various alternative fuels are being considered for HDVs, including liquefied biogas (LBG), hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), hydrogen, and electricity. Each option presents a unique set of advantages and challenges that impact their adoption.

Liquefied biogas (LBG), produced from organic waste, can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 90% compared to fossil fuels and is price-competitive with diesel. Its use is growing, with approximately 9,000 LBG trucks currently operating in Europe and an expanding network of filling stations. Gasum is actively developing the LBG infrastructure in the Nordics. However, securing sufficient organic feedstock for future LBG production may become a challenge.

HVO offers a renewable alternative to diesel, compatible with existing infrastructure but generally more expensive to produce. Concerns have also been raised about the sustainability of certain HVO feedstocks, such as palm oil.

Hydrogen and electric vehicles (EVs) promise zero tailpipe emissions when powered by renewable energy. However, significant investments are needed in refueling and charging infrastructure, as well as in the vehicles themselves. For EVs, battery weight could also impact payload capacity. While both technologies are projected to become cost-competitive with diesel trucks in the coming years, the exact timelines remain uncertain.