Liebherr-Werk Nenzing has converted its machines from diesel to synthetically produced HVO fuel

The Austrian Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH has switched its machines to HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils) from August 2024. This is a synthetic fuel that is produced from waste vegetable and animal fats as well as oils from the food industry. According to the company, the key advantage of HVO over traditional diesel is that it reduces CO2 emissions during combustion by up to 90 per cent. In addition, the fuel used by Liebherr does not contain palm oil and is considered one of the highest quality fuels on the market.

Here's What We Know

By switching to HVO, the Nenzing plant saves 300,000 litres of diesel annually, which reduces CO2 emissions by 810 tonnes. This corresponds to a 20 per cent reduction in direct CO2 emissions at the site. In addition, HVO is compatible with conventional internal combustion engines, so most Liebherr machines around the world can run on this fuel without modifications. The more HVO in the mix, the smaller the carbon footprint.

Transport is also "going green"

In addition to production changes, the company has also switched to alternative fuels in logistics. A well-known transport operator from Vorarlberg now carries out all transport for Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH using HVO-powered vehicles. This reduces transport emissions by 23%, which is equivalent to a CO2 reduction of 3,500 tonnes.

Liebherr is thus demonstrating how industry can reduce its environmental impact already now, even without radical modernisation of machinery.

Source: Liebherr