Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a renewable diesel that can replace conventional kerosene in most modern oil boilers with no modifications. It produces up to 90% fewer lifecycle carbon emissions than fossil kerosene and is seen by many as the most practical near-term route to decarbonising off-grid heating in the UK.
HVO is a drop-in replacement for kerosene in most modern boilers. It burns cleanly, has better cold-weather performance than biodiesel blends, and produces significantly fewer carbon emissions. The main drawback is cost: HVO typically costs 20 to 35% more than kerosene per litre in 2026. For many households the premium is the primary barrier to switching.
HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is produced by treating vegetable oils or animal fats with hydrogen at high pressure. Unlike first-generation biodiesel (FAME), which is made by a transesterification process, HVO goes through a more thorough hydrotreatment that removes oxygen and impurities from the feedstock. The result is a fuel that is chemically very similar to fossil diesel or kerosene: which is why it can be used as a direct substitute in most existing equipment.
Common feedstocks include used cooking oil, tallow, palm fatty acid distillate, and various agricultural waste products. The quality of the lifecycle carbon savings depends significantly on the feedstock: used cooking oil gives much better carbon numbers than virgin palm oil, for example.
| Property | Kerosene (28-sec) | HVO |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon emissions (lifecycle) | Baseline | Up to 90% lower |
| Energy content (kWh/litre) | 10.35 | 9.9–10.2 |
| Boiler compatibility | All oil boilers | Most modern boilers |
| Cold weather performance | Good | Excellent |
| Storage stability | Up to 2 years | Up to 10 years |
| Typical price premium (2026) | — | +20 to 35% |
Most modern oil boilers manufactured in the past 10 to 15 years are compatible with HVO, or can be made compatible with a relatively minor modification to the burner nozzle. However, compatibility is not universal and you should check with your boiler manufacturer before switching.
The main UK boiler manufacturers: Worcester Bosch, Grant, Warmflow, Firebird, and Viessmann: have all published HVO compatibility information. Most of their current product ranges are HVO-ready or HVO-compatible. Older boilers, particularly pre-2010 models, are less likely to be suitable without modifications.
OFTEC has published technical guidance on HVO compatibility and maintains a list of approved fuels. If you are in any doubt, ask a registered OFTEC engineer to assess your boiler before switching.
HVO currently costs more than conventional kerosene in the UK, reflecting both higher production costs and lower supply volumes. In 2026, indicative prices are:
The price premium amounts to roughly £250 to £400 extra per year for a typical household consuming 2,000L annually. For many households this is a significant consideration, particularly those already on constrained budgets.
The expectation in the industry is that HVO prices will fall over time as supply chains develop and volumes increase. The UK Government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme and future off-gas grid heating policy may also create incentives that offset the premium for some households.
HVO availability is growing but it is not yet as widely available as conventional kerosene. The following suppliers in our directory offer HVO for domestic heating:
Availability varies by region and the market is developing quickly. Check with local suppliers as more are adding HVO to their product range. Use the commercial fuel section of PriceTank for HVO quotes.
Whether HVO makes sense depends on your priorities and circumstances. The carbon savings are real and significant. The cost premium is also real and significant. A few questions to consider:
Some suppliers offer HVO-kerosene blends, typically 30% HVO mixed with 70% conventional kerosene. These blends offer a partial carbon reduction (around 25 to 30%) at a smaller price premium (typically 5 to 10% above kerosene). They are widely compatible with existing boilers without modification. For households who want to make a start on reducing their carbon footprint without the full HVO price premium, a blend is a reasonable compromise.
See which suppliers offer HVO in your area.