Cummins generator sets approved for HVO

Cummins Inc. has announced approval of its entire line of diesel generator sets for use with paraffinic fuels (EN15940), including hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), when used in standby applications.

Cummins said its diesel generator sets, including the QSK95, can be operated on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) when used in standby applications

Cummins said the announcement came as part of its overall commitment to developing innovative solutions that enable decarbonization and proactively advance the company’s current technology to reduce emissions.

“Our customers are continuously making advances towards decarbonization and Cummins is committed to helping them achieve their sustainability goals,” said Vipul Tandon, executive director, Global Power Generation. “The ability to run generator sets on HVO fuel supports these goals by lowering their carbon footprint.”

HVO is derived from the same feedstocks used to produce biodiesel. However, it is produced via a hydrotreated process versus transesterification process, which helps improve its oxidation stability. It has a very low life cycle carbon emission, making it attractive as a sustainable fuel. Constituent emissions are equivalent to, or lower than they are with diesel, and existing emissions data sheets and EPA Tier 2 certifications apply while operating generator sets on HVO.

Additionally, it is not prone to bacterial growth, making it suitable for applications that require extended fuel storage, including back-up power standby applications. HVO is also compatible and can be blended in any proportion with diesel, easing the transition at existing facilities with diesel back-up power generators.