Enabling Rapid Decarbonisation of Gas Turbine Power Generation with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil

Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) produced from waste feedstocks offers significant lifecycle CO2 emissions reduction when used in applications consistent with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED). Given its similarity to fossil diesel, HVO has been demonstrated in power generation gas turbine (GT) trials as a suitable drop-in replacement fuel. Uniper successfully completed the world’s first GT HVO trial in July 2021 and subsequent trials in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. The most recent trial was conducted on an FT4 aeroderivative GT at Barsebäcksverket (BVT) in June 2024. Additionally, Uniper has converted GT units in Sweden to use HVO. However, long-term operational evidence remains limited. This paper presents an overview of HVO activities using power generation GTs. The carbon intensity and greenhouse gas emissions of HVO for power generation are discussed in line with the RED requirements. Uniper’s HVO trial at BVT and experience with HVO GT conversions are described, including performance and emissions results. The development needs and sustainability requirements are discussed to enable further expansion of HVO in power generation. HVO enables a rapid reduction in lifecycle CO2 emissions and delivers low-carbon, dispatchable GT capacity to complement variable renewable energy sources and provide critical grid services.