Mayo County Council set to reduce carbon emissions by 500 tonnes annually

Mayo County Council has recently received its first delivery of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for its bulk fuel storage.

HVO is a renewable diesel alternative produced from waste vegetable oils and fats through a process called hydrotreatment. Unlike traditional fossil diesel, HVO is 100% fossil-free, biodegradable, and can be used in existing diesel engines without modification.

This transition is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 500 tonnes per year, equivalent to removing approximately 180 cars from Irish roads annually (based on an average of 2.75 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per car per year).

The benefits of HVO include: (1) Carbon Reduction: Up to 90% lower lifecycle CO₂ emissions compared to conventional diesel; (2) Improved Air Quality: HVO significantly reduces harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), contributing to cleaner air and better public health and (3) Cold Weather Performance: Superior stability and performance in low temperatures compared to biodiesel.

Conrad Harley, Acting Head of Roads for Mayo County Council, said the change will improve local air quality and reduce pollutants that contribute to smog and respiratory issues. 

“This initiative aligns with Mayo County Council’s climate action goals and demonstrates leadership in transitioning to sustainable energy solutions.”

Photo caption: Photographed at the first delivery of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) by Mayo County Council were left to right: Conrad Harley (Acting Head of Roads, Mayo County Council), Ciaran Gielty (General Services Supervisor, Mayo County Council, Machinery Yard), Michael Cosgrove (General Services Supervisor, Mayo County Council, Machinery Yard), Michelle O’Sullivan, (Senior Executive Engineer, Mayo County Council, Machinery Yard), Linda Cuffe (Procurement Officer, Mayo County Council), Joseph Browne (Energy Officer)