Certas Energy opens Birmingham HVO bunker
Independent fuel distributor Certas Energy has launched a dedicated hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) bunker at Tyseley Energy Park in Birmingham.
Said to be the first of its kind, the bunker, which debuted at the Motor Transport Decarbonisation Summit in September, represents a significant investment in new tanks and equipment, and demonstrates a scalable model for HVO-only refuelling infrastructure.
Certas Energy says its investment in a HVO-only bunker reflects both market readiness and local need, as 65 per cent of larger HGV fleets with over 100 vehicles are either using or plan to use low-carbon fuels within the next five years, according to the RHA.
It will contribute to Birmingham’s target of a 60 per cent reduction in total CO₂ emissions by 2027, the firm adds, offering hauliers a practical solution with direct access to a renewable, low-carbon alternative to diesel.
The Tyseley bunker, which is now open for fleet operators, represents the latest addition to Certas Energy’s expanding national network of more than 15 sites supplying HVO at the pump. Over the past year, the company has supplied 3.2 million litres of HVO to fuel more than 30,000 HGVs across the UK.
Andrew Goodwin, head of fuel cards at Certas Energy, said: “To support the industry in meeting net zero targets, the use of reliable drop-in biofuels like HVO are essential as a medium-term solution, helping to cut carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent.
“For example, the adoption of HVO in local authority refuse vehicles and the nearby container railhead present an opportunity to establish an additional HVO supply location and strengthen decarbonisation achievements.
“By investing in the Tyseley Bunker, we’re not just opening a new site, we’re providing a blueprint that can be replicated across the UK’s freight corridors.”
Certas Energy recently supported a successful HVO trial at DP World, where four hauliers tested both at-the-pump and bulk-delivered refuelling methods. The trial demonstrated that HVO integrates seamlessly into existing fleet operations, says the company, offering immediate carbon savings without the need for vehicle modifications.
Certas Energy customers can access this bunker, as well as all others in the network, using their Certas Energy Fuel Card and through the secure, fraud-proof FuelTapp digital platform.
