SLD Pumps & Power switches to HVO

UK-based rental company SLD Pumps & Power (SLD) is now using biodiesel to power its entire equipment fleet, having moved away from traditional diesel.

Left to Right: SLD’S Les Scott and Frank Sprott pictured alongside the storage tanks for HVO fuel at an SLD branch. Photo: SLD Pumps & Power

The industrial pump and generator specialist, which previously used around 1 million litres of standard diesel fuel a year, said that using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil would enable it to significantly reduce its carbon emissions and improve the up-time of its equipment. 

Frank Sprott, SLD General Manager, said, “Due to its cleaner, more stable composition, we are also seeing a reduction of around 60% in fuel-related equipment breakdowns.

“This translates into reduced maintenance costs for us, and improved reliability for the customer. We also anticipate that it could help extend the working life of equipment, so it offers very attractive all-round benefits.”

Alongside Speedy and GAP, SLD is one of several equipment rental to make the low-carbon change. 

The company, which earlier this month opened two new branches in Scotland, decided to switch exclusively to biofuel following a successful trial that was launched at the company’s Glasgow branch, to coincide with last year’s COP26 conference.

“We chose Glasgow to trial the new biofuel to align with the international gathering and attention on cleaner, lower carbon technologies,” said Sprott.

“The biodiesel performed excellently, dramatically cutting carbon emissions and even improving the performance of equipment. As a result, we made the decision to extend the switch nationwide and make the move away from fossil diesel permanent.”

Made from 100% renewable materials such as vegetable and animal oils, HVO is said to offer a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions in comparison with standard diesel.

The HVO fuel is being used to power all SLD’s diesel-based equipment, including high performance pumps and mobile generators. Photo: SLD Pumps & Power

SLD, which is using HVO fuel to power all of its diesel equipment - including high performance pumps and mobile generators - said the cleaner-burning properties of the biofuel also reduced the amount of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) in air. 

According to rental company, another advantage of using HVO is that, unlike standard diesel fuel, it can be stored for up to 10 years and still be used without any loss of performance or incurring an increased risk of damage to equipment engines. 

Sprott said, “Switching to the new fuel requires no modifications to equipment or storage and handling systems, so all of the benefits accrue without the need to invest in new infrastructure.”

He added, “The switch to HVO fuel has been well received by customers, and we are delighted by the response.

“Many companies today have strong environmental policies, and HVO enables our customers in turn to meet the strict environmental requirements of their own customers. It is a win-win for all, both environmentally and commercially.”