Hydrotreated vegetable oil is not an emission-free swap for diesel in datacenters
Datacenter operators are exploring hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as an alternative to diesel for backup generators, but analysts caution that it isn’t a silver bullet for emissions. While HVO does lower greenhouse gas emissions, it doesn’t eliminate them entirely and poses several challenges, including limited supply and cost.
Key Points
- HVO is touted as a “sustainable” fuel but does not entirely eliminate emissions from generators.
- As datacenters increase in number and energy demand, regulators are pushing for clearer reporting on GHG emissions.
- Companies like Digital Realty and Kao Data have started trialing HVO, reporting reductions in GHG emissions.
- HVO’s availability is limited, with potential competition for feedstocks impacting its scalability.
- Despite drawbacks, HVO is considered a better option than traditional diesel fuels.
Why should I read this?
If you’re in the datacenter racket, this article is a must-read! It digs into the hype around HVO and reveals the downsides that might affect your operations. You’ll save time by learning why this “green” switch isn’t as clear-cut as it seems, which could inform your energy strategy moving forward.